Local beach closes for swimming
By Rachel Smith
Staff Reporter
One area attraction in Ottawa County will not be open this summer. Crane Creek beach is no longer open for public swimming.
Due to shrinking funds the beach is no longer open for swimming. It has not been maintained and is unsafe for swimmers.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources division of Parks and Recreation purchased the land in 1951.
The beach was opened to the public for swimming in 1955. The park is composed of 79 acres of marshland and sandy beach. It is located right next to Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which enclose 2,600 acres.
The Park is home to more than 300 species of birds. Ducks, swallows, warblers, gulls, herons, and even bald eagles can be spotted in the trees. The area is known as one of the best bird watching parks in the country.
There are also a wide variety of reptiles and mammals in the park. Visitors might see a shy raccoon or slow moving painted turtle. They also might hear the call of a male bullfrog or the buzz of the parks many insects.
Crane Creek is still a good location for hiking and bird watching, but area residents will have to find somewhere else to cool off this summer.
|
