Part 4 Gull Lake Park

CHANGES TO GULL LAKE PARK? FACT OR FICTION! BUT YOU HAVE TO WONDER WHERE THEY'RE COMING FROM!

Rotary Gull Lake Park is an urban paradise. It is a small but magnificent gem of woodland and lakeshore, with a nice little beach, boat launch, docks, a ball park, tennis courts, a snack bar, and oh yes, The Barge. It is pretty much a non-commercial quality and quantity, unlike The Wharf, which is a mix of open space but a good whack of commercial enterprise dotting the lakeshore. Rotary Gull Lake Park is an escape into the country for a lot of urban dwellers…….the joy being that it is only steps from the urban neighborhoods. It is where we came to picnic when our boys were growing up, and a place we still visit through the summer season, and into the autumn, to enjoy a lunch or dinner overlooking the lake. Of course, we have our regular seats for the Sunday night Music on the Barge Concerts. We arrive in the late afternoon with a hamper full of good stuff, and by golly, we have a great time. And we really enjoy watching all the park-goers celebrating this precious lakeside property.

Over the past two years particularly, there have been many, many rumors about Gull Lake Park, many that have in one way or another involved The Barge. As a well versed reporter of municipal goings-on, I've assured folks who have been spreading these rumors, that any attempt to close The Barge, and re-locate the Concert series to a new stage at the Wharf event field, is utter nonsense. What crazy council would agree to something like that? I've heard this version with adaptations, more than a dozen times, and some of the messengers are pretty darn reliable sources.

So do you dismiss them all, with that cavalier retort, "No way!" Lately, with some of the activities I've learned about, and comments from people I trust, it sure is becoming harder to dismiss. The Barge had a rough start this year, when the ramp supports had to be replaced, which was delayed so long it actually forced the re-location of the first two concerts of the season. Yet knowledge of the repairs was known well in advance, and it shouldn't have taken so long to undertake. The Barge manager was caught off guard and in quite a panic looking for alternate locations, with enough power and exposure to satisfy a large band and a larger audience. Fortunately the town did come through, late better than never, but we noticed last week, at least one board hadn't been properly re-attached to the ramp, and one section showed a little bounce when someone had to sidestep an oncoming loaded cart. Small details but definitely a safety concern.

The back railing was supposed to be fixed weeks earlier, and to the best of my knowledge, it was still on the drawing board…….the things to do lists, eventually. The manager has put in some extra screws but still, with the right weight and the wrong place, someone or more is going into the lake. As for their rescue, well, there isn't a life-ring or rope, pole or anything other than a cooler full of sandwich fixings to toss out to those treading water. It needs to be addressed, but these things don't seem to bother the respective department, responsible for The Barge, or the Town, who can and must over-ride a department that doesn't follow through.

Now that most of us, close to the Concert on the Barge program, are aware what the renovation challenges to the platform will be, over the next year, and that council may be reluctant to pay the large price of a rebuild, (at least at this time), the rumors are obviously picking up steam. The last one I heard was that there was a serious move afoot to build a stage on the event field, at the Wharf, and possibly even one that is mobile, to host even bigger events than what is being offered at The Barge. There was even one that suggested it would be great to have it in the pavilion of The Wharf, where patrons can also have a wonderful view of a Muskoka Lake, amidst the lakeshore band of commercial enterprises. The rumors have it that when the town has to close the Barge for restorations, they will have the capability then, to present plan "B". That leaves the supporters of Plan "A", "refurbishing The Barge" at a little bit of a disadvantage. It's the reason, actually, why supporters are mustering before this happens, to make sure council realizes they won't be able to bedazzle us with magic beans.

The Town of Bracebridge sold Jubilee Park, on Wellington Street, for a university and college campus. An historic park in a residential area. They said it was a great idea, and they found their citizen supporters, who bought into the plan. Why do we need this urban neighborhood park that's been hanging around since the 1800's, when we can gobble it up with development interest. When we found out that our own neighborhood green belt, here in Gravenhurst, (known as The Bog," was going to be sold off (potentially), to make residential lots, I was told by members of council not to worry. Everything would be fine. My concerns would be heard. Just not acted upon. I've never been one to relax on important issues. I did relax on the Jubilee Park debacle, and I didn't make a final submission tag the OMB hearing, as I should have. I felt that living in Gravenhurst, and commenting on a Bracebridge land-use issue wasn't fair. My interest was in history actually, and my own relationship for so many years, with that particular parkland. With The Bog, we challenged council, The Bog was conserved. I congratulated council for doing the right thing for the environment, and the residents of this town.

As for Rotary Gull Lake Park, no, I haven't heard that it will be turned into a subdivision, or sold off for another university campus. But I'm still quite concerned, there are individuals of authority in this town, who have no interest in the park, The Barge, or its future, and if they had a vote, might well agree The Wharf would be a more accommodating location for an entertainment venue.

So, when you hear rumors like this, and there are details that aren't exactly of twilight zone proportion, and could conceivably be in the works, what do you believe? The town certainly needs to be aware of these rumors, because some rumors have a sharp point. Take Jubilee Park for instance. I still don't believe the town sold a public park!!!!!

Better to be prepared, just in case there's some truth to the stories being told out of class!