Local provincial parks are gearing up for the busy season

By Linda Horn

PICTON, On. (04/05/2011) Workers at Sandbanks Provincial Park fix a water pump. One of the biggest projects for setting up is getting the water running. The staff at the park are getting ready for the busy summer season. Opening day for camping at the park was April 22. Photo By Linda Horn

Staff at two area provincial parks are using the arrival of spring to prepare for the upcoming busy season.

Presqu’ile and Sandbanks provincial parks, two of the Quinte region’s largest provincial parks, are running skeleton staffs to get the parks ready and to accommodate the small number of spring campers, said Jaime Sperl, acting senior parks technician for Sandbanks Provincial Park.

The 2011 opening day for camping in both parks was April 22. By the end of June and the beginning of July, the parks are usually full and filled with campers until the Thanksgiving weekend.

Park officials advise campers to book camping spots early to ensure a spot during the busy season.

Sperl said one of the biggest start-up projects is to get the water up and running. “We need to get the water test done prior to opening,” said Sperl.  “It needs to be drinking quality water.”

Workers are also painting, doing repairs, setting up picnic tables, and fixing roads in preparation for a busy summer.

Presqui’lle Park is located near Brighton, in Northumberland County, and has been described as a mecca for birdwatchers. The park is a flyway for migrating birds. Along with beaches and a lighthouse, Presqu’ile also has a boardwalk through a wetland area, so visitors can enjoy the wildlife that lives in the marsh.

The park has 394 campsites in eight campgrounds including 160 sites with electricity. Presquil’le also has 10 group campsites.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is located near Picton, in Prince Edward County.  It has two of the largest freshwater bay mouth sandbars in the world. Visitors can enjoy giant sand dunes and beautiful beaches. The park has 549 campsites in five different campgrounds including 140 with electricity.  Sandbanks also has two group campsites.

Both parks offer a variety of services for campers such as a park store, showers, and flush toilets. Each has a nature center that offers activities and events. Aside from camping, visitors can also enjoy the parks with a day pass.

Campers and day visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and also guided tours at both parks.  The nature centers offer events and education programs to educate the public about nature, especially around the park.

On Sunday, May 8, Sandbanks is hosting a spring celebration, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include a bird walk, wildflower walk, and refreshments at the nature center.

Presquille is having a Warblers and Whimblers event on May 21 and 22. Visitors can view these birds and also enjoy guided tours, bird banding and evening activities.

For more on events at Sandbanks Provincial Park go to www.friendsofsandbanks.org

For more on events at Presquil’le Provincial Park go www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca.

For information on fees, rules and regulations, hours and reservations at both parks go to www.ontarioparks.com