Beachgoers beating the heat in high numbers across region
Grand River Conservation Area parks so popular that some are reaching capacity early and often
WATERLOO REGION — Local beaches and parks operated by the Grand River Conservation Area have been so busy this summer that they have reached capacity and been forced to close on some days.
Since the beginning of June, Shade’s Mills Conservation Area in Galt area has reached capacity eight times and shut down while the beach has been near capacity, said GRCA spokesperson Cam Linwood.
At Laurel Creek Conservation Area in Waterloo, the beach reached capacity five times, while the entire park reached its peak once.
Both parks are open year-round. Some of the factors considered when determining capacity include empty spaces in the parking lot, people using the beaches and trails and local public health orders, Linwood said.
“Shade’s Mills and Laurel Creek conservation areas often reach capacity by late morning or early afternoon on weekends, when the weather is nice,” said Linwood, who encourages visitors to plan ahead and check the park’s status online.
Ellen King lives in Hamilton but often drives to Shade’s Mills to “chill” and watch the children play in the water.
“I come here to relax,” said the breast cancer survivor who spent the day at Shade’s Mills on Wednesday. “I’m content just to sit here and be free and grateful for the ability to just be.”
Cancer changed her outlook on life and, for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed theirs.
With indoor activities still not running at a pre-pandemic pace, more people are enjoying the outdoors at parks and beaches. On weekends, King is at the beach by 10:30 a.m.
“I like to get my spot,” she said. King, who also brings her kayak and enjoys paddling, lives in an apartment and longs to get outdoors to hike on nature trails rather than sitting on a balcony.
“I started coming here last year,” she said. “It’s more family orientated.”
At the Shade’s Mills beach, many families have beach chairs, tents and coolers stocked with food while children play in the sand.
Sherry Hohl of New Hamburg brought her two boys, ages seven and 10, to Shade’s Mills for the first time on Wednesday. She often drives to Grand Bend or Southampton, but preferred a closer alternative.
“I heard about it from a colleague at work,” she said. “I like it here because it’s not as busy as Grand Bend.”
Hohl said she’ll come back again because she feels that the conservation authority provides a safer environment.
Ali Sahba of Kitchener was also at Shade’s Mills for the first time this week.
“I usually go to Lake Huron, but this is so close,” said Sahba, who watched his two boys, 12 and five, swimming.