Wednesday, July 9, 2003
|
Wednesday, July 9, 2003 |
|
Go jump in a lake Cool off this summer at one of Georgia's state parks
Considering Georgia's soggy spring, "go jump in a lake" may be the best suggestion of the summer. When the heat sizzles, nothing feels better than a cool dip in a sparkling lake or pool. And with May's abundant rainfall, swimming beaches at Georgia's state parks are at their best conditions in years. "During the past few years, we had to close some swimming beaches because the roped-off areas were nothing but mud - particularly around Hartwell and Clarks Hill lakes," said State Park Director Becky Kelley. "But this year our lakes are full and the swimming beaches are in top condition." Of Georgia's 48 state parks, 20 have sand-covered swimming beaches on lakes and 17 have swimming pools. Most beaches have concession areas, bath houses and nearby activities such as boat rental, mini golf and picnicking. All are affordable, with parking only $2 and beaches free. Since swimming pools have lifeguards, a small admission of $2 - $3 is charged to day visitors and campers. Lodge and cottage guests, as well as children younger than 2, swim for free. (Swimming pools at the hotel-style lodges are open to overnight guests only and do not provide lifeguards.) "Families don't have to spend a lot of money on a hotel or swim-and-tennis club to enjoy the water," said Kelley. "They can spend just a few dollars to take advantage of our beaches and pools. Plus, we welcome picnics in the state parks, which saves money on restaurants." Swimmers can choose from a wide variety of state park facilities. The Liberty Bell swimming pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park combines of bit of history with summertime fun. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, it is shaped like a bell and lined with stones. The top loop of the bell even has a baby pool. Vogel State Park in Blairsville boasts one of the most scenic lakeside beaches in Georgia. Swimmers have a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Blood Mountain. At Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah, sunbathers may see Painted Buntings and numerous other birds flitting among Spanish moss-draped trees. The pool at Florence Marina State Park in southwest Georgia has a nice view of beautiful Lake Walter F. George. One of the largest sand swimming beaches in the state is found at John Tanner State Park in Carrollton. Known as "Tanner's Beach" during the 1950s and '60s, the popular swimming area is bordered by numerous picnic tables and pedal boat docks. Another particularly large swimming beach is found at Richard B. Russell State Park in Elberton. Kelley mentioned that a few things have changed during the last two years. The pool at Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia has closed, and the swimming beach at Hart State Park on Hartwell Lake was moved from a point in the picnic area to a more secluded cove. Many parks in southeast Georgia have spruced up their swimming pools with new tables, umbrellas and chairs. While hours vary, most swimming pools are open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Lakeside beaches are open daily, year-round. For more information, visit www.gastateparks.org or call 1-800-864-7275 for a free 72-page "Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites."
|
