Whitewater region (Cobden) — This will be the final year for camping at Veteran’s Memorial Park (Cobden Municipal Park).
The park is competing with the private sector and since it’s owned by the township, it really shouldn’t be, said Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer for Whitewater Region, at its council meeting last night.
It would be best if the focus was day use only, he said.
He noted the Civitan Club is hopeful of having a band stand erected, which would be a great way of promoting day use.
CAO Tremblay noted it’s a lot of work on upkeep for campers, including two recent water breaks.
There used to be two people who took care of the park, but they are both deceased now, and it’s summer students who are doing maintenance , he added.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin agreed, noting it would be a great idea to promote it as a rest area for travellers.
“It’s a beautiful park, a great place for picnics and family gatherings,” he said.
The township is not making money on the campers and it is cutting into private business profits, Coun. McLaughlin agreed.
He believes with proper signage the park will become even more popular than it is now.
Council agreed to phase out overnight parking at the park starting in 2019.
