It’s HOT out there! Public Beach Review Part 1

Kelli McRobert | Aug 09, 2023

Wow, last week I got to eat my way around South Frontenac, and this week I had the joy of attending a few of the local beaches to see what they were about. Our first stop was at the Sydenham Beach, and it is located on Point Road. At this location there is ample parking, a boat launch, track, groomed trail, pickleball, tennis, swimming areas (roped off), with easy beach access and paved walkways. There are also washrooms, a playground for children, and a covered area to provide shade with picnic tables and benches. One side of the beach is shallow water that many families enjoy, with a sandy bottom. The other side is a bit rougher, and still has a roped off area, but then drops off quite deep, so if you want a real ‘swim’ you can duck under the rope and swim across to the south shore where there are many docks available to touch and then return. I do recommend wearing a PFD if you are entering unknown waters or do not have a friend (support vehicle) with you, in case of an emergency.

The water is clear, however, there are times that e Coli is heavy. Swimming lessons are offered at this location and during week days day there is a camp, all run by the township.

Dog walkers enjoy the fenced in, mowed football field, and bird watchers stop to take in-flight photos of Osprey who have taken up residence on the main light standard. I enjoyed my swim here and did do the beach to shore docks twice to take advantage of the lakeside views with a friend-thank you Patti! After our swim, we headed over to Lenny’s Deli for a quick breakfast before starting our days.

Next stop, McMullen Beach, located at 6089 Carleton Drive, in Verona. This is a quieter beach with easy walk down access. The parkland setting offers a play structure, parking, and easy access to the water that is cool and clean on Verona Lake. Many residents can be found taking a morning dip, and then heading back home early in the day. Washrooms are available on site, and this is also one of many locations for Music in the Park.

The following weekend, we took a short drive up to Westport as we had heard that many people enjoy the Westport Sand Beach off Hwy 36. After a quick breakfast at the Country Kitchen, we popped up the street, and found the Lions Club had a hidden gem! There was a raked beach, with a large roped off swimming area, and it was deserted, only one other couple there on a long weekend! Beach volleyball is available and the water was warm and clean. It got a bit weedy just past the ropes but cleared up as the water dropped deeper. Little to no boat traffic near the shoreline.

Located on the east side of Westport Sand Lake, it is a beautiful spot to have a picnic lunch or spend the day, playing in the sand and water. Free parking is available on site and there is a large gazebo for shade. A one-way driveway in, and you circle back out beside the cemetery. This would be a great location for a destination wedding (Westport Lions Hall) as it is very private and the beach and lakeside views are stunning.

Stay tuned next week, where we explore Godfrey, Sharbot Lake, Battersea, Inverary, and Mountain Grove.