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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-06-21, Page 49; .•„:.i -Y -.• I• - •I•'r... ..._. .: r~.C.-er tet. 4. _.S - • .., - • _ . • . • Photos courtesy of Windmill Lake The "Rule the Pool” competition attracts professional wake boarders with a top prize of $2, 000 USD. Windmill Lake is one of the largest wake and eco -parks in Canada. Operated on a wire system, the park is completely environmentally friendly. NOTICE Corporation of the ALEXANDRA MARINE AND GENERAL HOSPITAL announces its ANNUAL MEETING to be held Monday, June 26th, 2017 at 7:OOpm in the Hospital Cafeteria (Refreshments available at 6:45pm) • Only members of the Hospital Corporation shall be entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting • Members of the Public are welcome to attend • The AGM meeting materials are posted on the AMGH website-www.amgh.ca Wednesday, June 21, 2017 • Signal Star 49 An eco -friendly park How Windmill - Lake is changing the game Kathleen Smith Goderich Signal Star Going into its fourth summer, the 200 -acre property Windmill Lake, close to Bayfield and Lake 1 luron, is one of the largest wake and eco -parks in Canada. Offering a 40 -acre man-made lake, acres upon acres of wooded trails and a wind -pow- ered grist, full-scale mill, Wind- mill Lake is the perfect place to visit for outdoor activities at an affordable rate. "It's a safe environment to learn and it's not intimidating. We have no motor traffic on land or the water. It's very calm," co-owner Jennifer Pate says. "When we first started to plan the park, it was all about break- ing down the barriers to inclu- sion, making sure that anybody that wanted to get on the water could. It has been fascinating over the years to see the diver- sity of people come through the park." Based upon a focus on green - energy and environmentally safe activities, Windmill Lake offers a variety of activities and sports and encourages people from beginner level to pro to visit the lake. "We are an outdoor recreation park, but are entirely environ- mentally friendly. So everything that we do has minimal impact on the environment around us," explains Pate. "Instead of wake boarding behind a boat, we actually do virtually silent. Every time we ride, we actually aerate the lake. In the last three seasons, I have seen our flora and fauna grow." At a price of $1 a minute, visi- tors can partake in activities such as cable -operated wake boarding, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, occasional guided nature walks and Stand Up Paddle board Yoga (SUP Yoga). Entry to the eco -park is free and visitors are always welcome during opening hours to spend time on the grounds; some may wish to try an activity and could then purchase time and instruc- tors out on the lake. "For us, it's all about growing the sport, getting people out- doors and learning about the environment as well, Pate says about the mindset her and co- owner Andy Oak have when it comes to Windmill Lake. "My background is environ- mental education and sustaina- bility, so we try to get people to think more about the wider con- text of the environment and how we need to take care of .the places we enjoy." Opening the May 2-4 week- end, Windmill Lake is open from Friday until Sunday from May through June. Once the summer months arrive, the wake and eco -park, will be open seven days a week, loam until 8pm, from July through August, and return to weekend hours in September, with a closing date at the end of October. Building off the fact that this year is Canada's 150th anniver- sary, Windmill Lake has a few events this summer to look for- ward to. CONTINUED > PAGE 50 CALHOUN t.. URE BUILDING SOLUTIONS RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Calhoun fabric buildings are well -ventilated and filled with natural light. Whether you need a building to house your cattle, or a multi-purpose storage structure, we can help you keep your business profitable. Let's get started. 1-800-265-3994 calhounsuperstructure.com