The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Hot sunny days have arrived, leaving Denare Beach's main beach "packed," says the recreation director. Deana Hilchie says she has been swimming there pretty much all her life and "it's still a nice friendly beach." "If the sun is shining, people are going to be there," she says. According to Hilchie, one of the main reasons the beach is so popular is because it's free. "For the past 10 years you have had to pay for parking and swimming at the provincial park," but this way, says the director, "it's free for everyone." Not only is the beach free, but there are lifeguards on duty during beach hours. "And above that, this year we have a beach patrol - which lets the lifeguards focus on the swimmers," she says. The beach patrol is around to keep things going smoothly and make sure there are no problems on the beach, says Hilchie. And she says it lets the lifeguards pay attention to the water and "keep everyone safe." On top of all the safety precautions, the Hilchie and the recreation board are doing some fundraising. "We want to be able to raise at least $10,000 for a new dock," she says. The rec director says they will be asking people and businesses to each donate a hundred dollars, which will earn them a spot on a plaque to be erected at the beach. Hilchie says they will be selling the current dock in segments and putting that money toward the new dock as well. "We bought a dock last year, but it's not big enough," she says, "so we're looking around at other types." Hilchie says with the bumpers on the side of the current dock, swimmers only really have about two-and-a-half feet of walking room. "Which isn't much (room) if a mother and two kids are on there. They don't have enough space to walk side-by-side," she says. Hilchie says they are looking at about $20,000 for a new, larger dock. Lifeguards are on duty at Denare Beach Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.
