Pool and trail upgrades highlight new camping season at Fanshawe

The weather is finally cooperating just in time for the start of camping season at area conservation areas.

Fanshawe in London, Wildwood in St. Marys and Pittock in Woodstock, all part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), opened their gates Friday morning for the first time this year and welcomed campers.

"I've waited all winter for this day," says regular camper Cheryl Mitro-Dawe.

"I've been coming for 20 years. It's my little piece of heaven."

Fanshawe will unveil renovations to its swimming pool, which includes a splash pad area, and an upgrade to its trail marking system this season.

The pool is a major draw for the convervation area, says Fanshawe's superintendent, Steve Musclow. "Everybody really likes it."

He says filter and water quality improvements are being made.

One of the first weekend events at Fanshawe, located at 1424 Clarke Rd.,  is the London-Middlesex Water Festival, which runs May 14 to 17.

Other events this year include Fireworks on May 20 and Family Fishing Day on July 13.

There are 563 campsites at the conservation area, 30 kilometres of hiking and biking trails and canoe and kayak rentals.

UTRCA employs more than  70 full time and seasonal staff in Southwestern Ontario