Now that the temperatures are solidly in the 80's and 90's, summer is here and I'm ready to hit the lake. I don't always feel like driving to the Lake of the Ozarks, but I don't own a boat for the local lakes. Luckily, there are three local lakes with marinas to rent boats or jetskis.

Call ahead though, because last-minute rentals are impossible to come by, but it's good information to have on had for future weekends. I would recommend making reservations at least two-three weeks in advance if you actually want to have a rental!

SMITHVILLE LAKE Located northeast of Smithville, Missouri on U.S. 169 and Hwy. 92. Two full-service marinas offering boat rentals, equipment and dining facilities are listed on the website, but I could only get ahold of one. The other number was out of service. For more information, call 816-407-3420

BLUE SPRINGS LAKE Blue Springs Lake is located south of Hwy. 40 on Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs, Missouri and one of only a few in the area that is  available for unlimited powerboating. A full-service marina provides rental boats, concessions, tackle, bait and boat slip rental. For more information, call (816) 795-1112. 

LAKE JACOMO Located on the grounds of Fleming Park, east of I-435 on Woods Chapel Road, Lee's Summit, Missouri. The lake includes a full-service marina, concessions, lakeside gasoline pumps and fishing bait and tackle. In addition, boat and canoe rental is available.  For more information, call (816) 795-8888.

More information on all area bodies of water, including water in Johnnson County and Olathe, can be found here: http://www.experiencekc.com/parks.html

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.