A 4 - The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday July 3, 2002 Bronte Creek celebrates official opening of campground Overnight adventure close at hand for residents By Lindsey Craig OAKVILLE BtiAVER STAFF T hi: us summer, escape the traffic an noise of city life by and rei retreating to a peaceful, green oasis that includes camping, hiking, biking, swimming and more -- all in Oakv ille's backyard. That's right -- for the first time, Oakville residents can not only spend a fun-filled day at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, they can also turn their visit into an overnight adventure by staying at one of the park's 144 spacious, electrical camp sites, ideal for tent-trailers and recre ational vehicles. The new campground officially opened last Friday, kicking oft'a spe cial weekend. New Campground. New Adventures, full of exciting activities. To celebrate the opening, Bronte campers attended various on-site clinics taught by professionals to learn the ropes of setting up tents and camping equipment, canoeing, pho tography. biking, hiking and more. Water safety demonstrations by the Red Cross also took place and the OPP held lessons on bike safety. The clinics were of no extra cost to camper., Jennifer Gilmour. the park's natu ral heritage education leader, said the campground was booked solid for the entire weekend. "We're full, all 144 sites." she said, adding that the campground had been attracting a wide range of visitors. "We've had tons of Americans vacationing, but also lots of Canadians and local people w ho are camping for the first time. That's why we're holding these clinics, we'd like people to learn more infor mation (about camping).*' she said. Between now and Labour Day, Ontario Parks expects more than 600 groups to use the new campground, including Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, along with those attending World Youth Day. For the interna tional event, the park has reserved more than 100 campsites for partici pants, if reservations are made by July 5. Aside from special events, how ever. Gilmour said many people are attracted to the campground for its close proximity to the QEW. Campers also use the site as a base from which to travel. "People can hop on the QEW and go on day trips to Toronto or Niagara Falls, it's a great location," she said, adding that when in the midst o f the trees and hiking trails, "you'd never know" you were surrounded by a massive urban dwelling. Also enjoying the New Adventures weekend was a family from El Salvador who were said they were excited to experience camping for the first time. Park staff paid them a special welcome and as part of that welcome provided them with a large tent and other camping gear. "They seem so eager. When we were setting their tent up for them, they were trying to help us and learn how to do it themselves." said Gilmour. Maria Choto Rodriguez said she and her three daughters were "so happy" for the opportunity to be in such beautiful surroundings. "It's so very, very, nice here." she said with a smile. "I love it." The Rodriguez family came to Canada 10 years ago, but had to leave two years later when their immigration papers didn't work out. They were finally able to return to Canada last year, but don't know yet if they can stay. As for their camping plans, Maria said swimming was at the top of their list, especially for her 13year-old daughter. Karen. T hat's all she wants to do." she said, adding that they would also be going hiking, to Spruce Lane Farmhouse and to the Nature Centre. Other campers for the Canada Day weekend included a family from Hamilton, who said it was their second stay at the camp ground. Innis Kydd said he and his wife, daughter and granddaughter returned to Bronte for its peaceful setting. "It's so natural, there's so much wide open space, and it's new." he said, adding that the large sites were also an attraction. Camping reservations at Bronte can be made by calling 1-888-ONTPARK (1-888-668-7275) or by vis iting the Web site www.OntarioParks.com. Camping fees are S25.50 per night, per site. Up to six people or one family unit can use each site. Camping fees include access to all day-use facilities except for the swimming pool, which is $2.50 for adults. S I.50 for youth, and free for children aged three and under. A discount is given to campers. The Bronte Creek campground is locat ed at 3201 Upper Middle Road, just west of Bronte Road. Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a 684-hectare recreational site located off the QEW between Burlington and Oakville. The park includes a reconstructed farm with live animals that reflects life in the 1890s. Liesa Kortmann · Oakville Beaver hom e @ the CLEANING CARPET CLEANING Save 25% - 45% 2 Rooms* Save 25% . Our reg. $ 5 8 Rodriguez family m em bers set up th eir tent at Bronte C reek Provincial P ark on Friday for their first tim e cam ping at the p a rk 's new cam pground. Pictured is mom. M aria Choto Rodriguez. K aren, C hristina and K arla. M aria said she and her daughters were very excited to cam p for the first tim e and they couldn't w ait to go swimming. The Rodriguez family moved to C anada 10 years ago from El Salvador, but was forced to leave after two years w hen th eir im m igration papers failed to go through. They returned to C anada last y e ar in hopes that this time, they 'll be able to stay in the country for good. 3 Rooms, 1Hair, 13 Stairs Save 40% . 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