Westport Lions Beach
By Lion Bill Garland
Another summer of water, sun, sand and fun at the Lions Beach is almost behind us. The Westport Lions team place the marker buoys in the water in mid-May and we will be taking them out again in a few weeks. Another season has slipped by so quickly. Lions Beach was recognized by Eastern Ontario Tourism as the top beach in Eastern Ontario a few years back. Getting and keeping this kind of recognition just doesn’t happen on its own. A team of 20 Lions members and volunteers work the beach property 7 days per week through the summer season to deliver a well-maintained property for the community to enjoy. Another 4 members and volunteers keep the property clear of snow so our Mobility Van drivers can pick up patients for hospital visits in winter.
There are 5 teams that work behind the scenes to maintain the Beach Property:
Sand Beach – Lion Wayne Bent leads a team of 7 who groom the beach every morning during swimming season. The Westport Lions made a very significant investment in a Kubota tractor a few years ago to remove the weeds and debris that rolls into our shoreline everyday. The tractor also removes the snow in our parking lot to enable the Mobility Van to get out for calls in the winter.
Washrooms – Lion Bob Reddick leads a team of 7 that unlock, lock and clean the washrooms 7 days per week during the summer.
Lawn and Yard Maintenance – Lion Jim McGlade leads a team of 4 that cuts the Lawn, trims the edges, weeds garden’s and blows leaves every week.
Buildings Maintenance – Lions Craig Jackson and Wayne Bent manage the maintenance of the building infrastructures at the Beach. You may have noticed significant renovations that were made to the Gazebo and washrooms. A big shout out to Lion Smokey Sherwood for the work he performed on these projects. The well system and building doors needed upgrades. Lion Craig managed these projects.
The Lions Beach hosts a summer Beach Volleyball League organized by Chris Hartley. The Westport Lions host a July Beach Volleyball Tournament every year. Rideau High School has hosted inter school Beach Volleyball tournaments at the Beach. Community groups host Beach Volleyball tournaments. Canada Day is all about free Kids Activities hosted by our Lions Club. Lion Marty Hawkins organizes our Westfest Beach Concerts every summer. Swimming Lessons are provided for the children of Westport and area every summer. Senior’s luncheons are provided through the summer managed by Jeannette Harper. The Westport Lions complete their lottery draws at the Beach, sometimes with food or music for the community to enjoy. Family parties and gatherings are regular occurrences at the Beach. The Beach is a busy place in the summer.
Prior to our tractor purchase we staffed the Beach with summer students to remove weeds and maintain the property. A number of years ago, we tried to count day visitors to estimate beach property usage. We estimated 10,000 person visits to the property that summer.
The Westport Lions Beach is truly one of the gems of Westport and Rideau Lakes area.