The boathouse at the Busse Reservoir, in Schaumburg. Photo/Forest Preserve District of Cook County

The Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County approved two separate contracts for concessionaires to manage boat rentals, as well as sales of food and outdoor items, at the Forest Preserves’ three boathouses.

The contracts point to a fresh approach to these facilities and an expanded range of offerings. Previously, rowboats and canoes were the only options at the Forest Preserves’ three boathouses. Soon, visitors will be able to rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. Visitors will also be able to purchase a full line of bait, lures and tackle, rods and reels and sunscreen.

The food and beverages offered at the boathouses will also increase in variety and quality. The new lineup will feature brand-name products, including healthy food options, fruit and water. Busse Boathouse will serve high-quality prepackaged items this year, but will be online with more fresh fare next year.

As part of an effort to address deferred maintenance across the Forest Preserves, the boathouses at Maple Lake, in Willow Springs, and Busse Reservoir, in Schaumburg, have been completely rebuilt. The brand new boathouse at Busse opened in spring 2014, replacing temporary trailers.

At Maple Lake, the new boathouse, still in construction, will sport new docks and a fishing pier. When it opens, it will also service the new Bullfrog Lake campground with rowboats and canoes.

“Fishing and boating are two powerful ways for residents to interact with nature,” said Forest Preserves President Toni Preckwinkle. “By investing in our boathouses and increasing our focus on customer service and quality products, we intend to provide the public with an even better experience. It’s now even easier to rent a boat and get out on the water to relax and see wildlife.”

The Forest Preserves entered into a three-year contract with T & M Lakes, who will pay the Forest Preserves an annual fee plus 2 percent of gross sales to operate its boat rental business at Tampier and Maple Lakes. T & M Lakes has been the vendor at these locations for the last 35 years.

“The Maple Lake facility is going to be awesome,” said Darlene Strait of T & M Lakes. “We are all looking forward to a great fishing and boating season.”

The Forest Preserves also entered into a three-year contract with Chicago River Canoe and Kayak to operate rentals and concessions at Busse Reservoir in Schaumburg. Chicago River Canoe and Kayak currently operates the Forest Preserves’ boat rental at the Skokie Lagoons. The Forest Preserves will receive an annual fee plus 2 percent of gross sales in the agreement.

“We’re excited to be at Busse Reservoir, helping people make their own adventure in this amazing natural area,” said Ryan Chew of Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. “We have 15 years of experience helping beginners get started and putting families on the water. We hope you’ll come out to explore Busse Reservoir.”

Boaters and anglers will be able to rent boats at Tampier Lake and Busse Reservoir this weekend through October 31. The new Maple Lake boathouse is scheduled to open later this summer.

For more about boating in the Forest Preserves, visit http://fpdcc.com/recreation/boating/.