Family Fun at the Park : Lake Balboa is a fine place to relax and just enjoy nature. It features fishing, boating and plenty of places for picnicking.

The San Fernando Valley has many parks, and Lake Balboa Park is one of the newest.

The 27-acre, man-made lake is the centerpiece of the water recreation area in the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin. It was filled with reclaimed water from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant about a year ago. The water, reclaimed after domestic use by mechanical and chemical treatment, cascades into the lake over a rock formation at its northern end, then runs from the lake into the Los Angeles River.

Although swimming and other water activities are prohibited, recreation activities like boating, fishing, remote-control model boating, kite-flying and walking are allowed in the park. It is open, with lifeguards on duty from dawn to dusk year-round, but is subject to closure during rainy weather.

11:30 a.m.: Enter the park from Balboa Boulevard on the west. Drive past the first parking lots and find a space on the east side of the lake near the boathouse and launching ramp. If you’ve packed a lunch, there are secluded, shaded spots on the park’s periphery beyond the roadway to spread out your blanket, lawn chairs, ice chests and other picnic gear. There are also barbecue grills for public use, as well as lakeside pagodas. The park doesn’t accept reservations, and use of the pagodas and barbecues is on a first-come, first-served basis. This is not a problem for barbecuers, but if you want to use one of the three pagodas, it’s best to arrive early.

Noon: Settle down for your feast and enjoy the view of the lake with its boats, kites, joggers and fishermen. For the less adventurous, this park offers great opportunities for people-watching.

After lunch, you might want to pack your stuff back in your car before taking off to explore the rest of the park.

12:45 p.m.: Take a walk on the 1.3-mile footpath that circles the lake. The path is restricted to foot traffic, wheelchairs and strollers. Just north of the boathouse and launching ramp, a small cove is set aside for model-boat sailing, both remote-control electric boats and sailboats. Some boating enthusiasts spend hundreds of dollars and hours on these models, but it doesn’t cost anything to watch the miniatures cut through the water.

1 p.m.: As you continue north, you will come to the cascade at the northern end of the lake. The sound of rushing water has a soothing effect.

1:15 p.m.: All along the grassy lakefront, fishermen try their luck. The lake is stocked with several species of fish. In the warmer months, there are bass, bluegill and catfish; in the cooler months, rainbow trout. Fish taken from the lake are edible, say park officials who frequently test both the fish and the water. If you have a fishing license and the equipment, you might want to try your luck as well.

1:30 p.m.: Take some time to watch the people flying kites near the western shore of the lake.

1:45 p.m.: Head back to the boathouse to get in line to rent a paddle boat. The paddle boats seat as many as five people, and life vests are provided. Two passengers get to pedal and three go along for the ride. Rental costs are $10 per hour, $7 half an hour. Seniors (65 and older) get the boat for $7 an hour or $5 half an hour. So, if grandpa is along, let him rent the boat and save three bucks. The renter must leave his driver’s license as collateral for the boat and the life vests.

Pedal your boat toward the north end of the lake near the Cascade. Park officials warn boaters to stay clear of the waterfall by at least 20 feet because of water turbulence and rocks. But it’s also the nicest part of the lake. Then, you can either pedal your way south or just float. Bring a book to read or just enjoy the sun. Weekends are the busiest times at the park, and officials say the wait for paddle boats on Saturdays and Sundays can be as long as one hour, so plan accordingly.

Of course, you can avoid the wait by bringing your own boat. There are a few restrictions. No inflatable rafts or boats are allowed. Boats must be launched from the launching ramp and must be between 7 feet 6 inches and 18 feet in length. Gas motors are prohibited, only electric motors are allowed. And all boats must be currently registered with the state. No anchors can be used due to the lake’s underwater aeration system.

2:45 p.m.: Return the boat, pack up the rest of your belongings and promise yourself to bring your fishing gear next time.