The Cook Day Use Area is a lovely and quiet spot in the offseason, offering a nice lake for a quick dip. The $5 per car entry fee is the only downside, as they do not accept cash. Visitors can enjoy several short walking trails and the ability to walk around the shoreline when the lake is low in the winter. The area is a great getaway from downtown, with opportunities to fish, grill, swim, and launch boats. However, pets are not allowed, which can make visits quite short. Overall, it is a great gem of a park with very little people, a new playground, and a calm area for kids to splash in the lake.