NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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GRCA parks open for the season on Saturday
Saturday, April 30 at 9 a.m. is the official opening of the 2016 camping and recreational season at Grand River Parks.
The Grand River Conservation Authority operates 11 Grand River Parks, eight of which offer camping, with about 2,500 campsites, and they will all open for the season on Saturday.
Other activities include hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.
The parks that are opening on Saturday are Byng Island (Dunnville), Brant (Brantford), Pinehurst (Paris), Laurel Creek (Waterloo), Conestogo (Drayton), Guelph Lake and Elora Gorge.
Belwood Lake, Rockwood and Shade’s Mills (Cambridge) were already open for activities, but now they will be providing the full range of services such as canoe rental.
One other park, Elora Quarry, will open in mid-June when the weather is warmer for swimming.
Right up until park opening, GRCA forestry staff worked hard to clear away damage that resulted from ice storm that took place late in March.
Ice damage affected most Grand River Parks and there are still be a few areas within the parks where visitors are asked to stay off the trails for safety reasons.
In addition, Luther Marsh is closed due to forestry work.
On Sunday, May 8 (Mother’s Day) park entrance is free at three parks – Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake and Rockwood – to give families a chance to enjoy these parks with Mom.
Grand River Parks memberships may be purchased for $125 and these are proving to be a popular item this year.
Membership allows entry to all 11 Grand River Parks as well as Luther Marsh Wildlife Management area, throughout the operating seasons for up to six people in one vehicle.
The membership also comes with a booklet of vouchers redeemable for free experiences like tubing at Elora Gorge, canoe rental and pool visits.
Day visitor fees are $6 for adults and $3 for children at all Grand River Parks.
In addition, families will enjoy the ever increasing number of nature events — part of our popular park events program — which are free with a membership pass.
Please check with the park you are visiting to find out about alcohol bans that may be in effect or visit www.grandriver.ca/parks.
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