Mike Ledwa, of Shorewood, throws a grappling hook in an attempt to retrieve a canoe that overturned Sunday morning at a DuPage River dam in . Active Ackerman SFC fitness members (ages 16+) may purchase a lap swimming monthly membership to swim at College of DuPage's indoor pool for just $20 per member per month. It was having a grand time.. Posted by 1 year ago. The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department, and the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District. The West Branch of the DuPage River, 35.0 miles (56.3 km) long, starts at Campanelli Park in Schaumburg within Cook County and continues southward through the entire county of DuPage, including the towns of Bartlett, Wheaton . PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE ON THIS PRESERVE'S INTERACTIVE MAP. Youre not supposed to be out of your tubes. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. Oklahoma 10-year-old boy saves mother who had seizure while swimming in pool: 'True Hero' . Dont take a chance. . DuPage River Feasibility Study: May 29, 2018 Hydrologic Calibration of HSPF Model Page 2 and Design Storm Development As indicate above, the DuPage County Stormwater Management Department has been The pool lifeguards do an excellent job of monitoring the safety of the members in the water. The play structure itself features tunnels and bridges that can . Besides pesticides in water runoff, coal tar is becoming more common in urban rivers and is a carcinogen if ingested, Gahris said. Summer 2017 Registration has officially started! All rights reserved. Instead, she said she saw something better. Fax: 815-467-5677
Within five minutes of the first call Engine 7 with swift water technicians arrived on scene and in coordination with other fire department personnel were able to assist two people out of the river. "We own private riverbed, and there are laws in place in Illinois that state we have our right to use it, to deny the public's use, and so that's why we're questioning [companies profiting off the river].". Dont have a kayak or canoe. The incident started because one of the victims was apparently walking along the low head dam located in the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve. 29Naperville Park District will join area legislators in urging a state agency to make it clear the 28-mile DuPage River should be open to the public for recreational activities. Even though I swim in the river and I take my friends and children swimming in the river, I realised I couldn't give the simple yes or no answer that I think was wanted. We went through all the proper channels," Scott said. The county has taken steps to improve the water quality in the DuPage River and make it more compatible for wildlife, Thompson said. Scott and Kris Most, Plainfield residents for more than a decade, opened Plainfield River Tubing during the pandemic as a way to not only make it easier to float on the DuPage River but also to offer people a way to enjoy nature while socially distant. My kids & now my grandkids love the zero depth pool and water slide, truly the best subdivision pool, feels like vacation!". Well, they do a terrible job, need training and a supervisor should be checking their work. Effective December 7, 2021, flood impact categories will change for the DuPage River at Shorewood, Illinois. Seconds later, a 3-pound bronze bullet exploded from the water trying to shake the lure. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Naperville Park District promotes National Sportsmanship Day on March 7, Things to do around Naperville this weekend: March 3-5, Loaves & Fishes Community Services hosts Chef Showdown, Get to know candidates during March events in time to vote by April 4, Napervilles Hotel Arista and Arista Spa & Salon receive Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, Naperville artist will exhibit work in Marmion Academys Art Gallery, March 5-April 7.
The river begins as two individual streams. report. We offer group swimming lessons in Aurora and Naperville, Illinois and other surrounding areas. No launch pass is required. Jul. The preserve is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which conserves more than 1,500 acres. As fun as a canoe or kayak trip can appear to be, the facts are that the DuPage River has many obstructions and currents caused by the sudden rise in water levels and underwater objects that are not always visible. A permit is required for dog park use. "I'm getting threats because people think I'm trying to shut down the river," said Sima, who told Patch multiple times that's not his goal. Expand. In short fishing in . Along with offering tube and paddle rentals, floaters are driven to the start point for their roughly 2.5-hour float down the river. Dupage river sweep The skies were overcast for the 2019 River Sweep but that didn't keep 800 volunteers from showing up to help clean up the DuPage River and its tributaries! This is what a river otter in Illinois would look like according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Local Programs. The Fox river can flow between 2 and 6 MPH, depending on location and time of year. Email Board of Commissioners, IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Accredited Agency
The trail has connectors to the Illinois Prairie Path, DuPage River trail and the Herrick Lake trail. Originally slated to be the site of a 200-acre dragon-shaped lake with a swim beach and . Your donation will go toward enhancingthe Forest Preserve's education, conservation and recreation programs. Naperville Park District's Weigand Riverfront Park at Washington Street and Ring Road is a popular spot for families to wade and splash around in the west branch of the DuPage River. That competence will not only include your swimming ability but also your experience of open water, your ability to assess the hazards and mitigate the risks, whether or not youve being drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs, what are the conditions like on the day, who else is with you and so on. 05540195. Members that are ages 16-17 must have an adult/guardian sign the College's waiver of liability. We thought he was an otter at first. What are the principles architectural types of Islam? If you are caught in a current and are being swept away, roll over on your back and go downstream feet first to avoid hitting your head. The three towns along my stretch of the dupage, pump over 30 million gallons of wastewater effluent into it daily. 2 lb. 6; Details; DuPage River Park is just east of DuPage River Sports Complex. Frontier Sports Complex 3380 Cedar Glade Dr. (B5) A skateboard facility . 05540250. (Handout), Rogers said. Jun 28, 2015 at 5:23 pm. Can you kayak on the East Branch of the DuPage River? The two parks are connected by a multi-use trail that continues all the way through DuPage River Park to Whalon Lake Preserve, which is a Will County Forest Preserve with a beautiful lake. Jeff Gahris, executive chair of the Sierra Club's River Prairie Group, agrees that swimming in the DuPage River should be avoided because of the possibility of getting contaminated water in the . Can you kayak the East Branch of the DuPage River? Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve. It is followed downstream by five more developed launch sites before the DuPages confluence with the East Branch. The DuPage River is a small-to-medium sized stream flowing north to south through DuPage and Will counties and ending at its confluence with the Des Plaines River in Channahon. Cricket Creek. So I was over the moon.. Forest Preserve Seeks Seasonal Workers For Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Gas Price Update: Plainfield Prices Plateau Slightly, Mark Skorusa Loan Originator powered by Rocket Mortgage NMLS #2347622, Stabbing At Minooka Business, Paroled Suspect Captured In Arby's, Ex-Chief, Ex-Deputy Chief Conspired To Damage Mayor: IL State Police, Fish Fry 2023: Where To Find Lenten Meals Near Plainfield, Hometown Irish Parade Grand Marshal, Princess Revealed. (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun). Like many local bodies of water, both branches of the DuPage River seriously overflowed after the Flood of 1996, when approximately 17 inches (430 mm) of rain fell on the area within a 24-hour period, on July 1718 of that year. The first dam on the DuPage River is the Channahon Dam, located less than 0.5 miles from the DuPage's confluence with the Des Plaines River in the I&M Canal State Park in Channahon. Let's go! A strong hydraulic force created by water flowing downward over an object, then reversing its flow can trap and hold a person under the water. Bolingbrook, His company offers Thursday through Sunday kayak rentals at Whalon Lake south of Naperville and trips down the DuPage River Fridays through Sundays. Amenities. How much does a sports physiotherapist earn in Australia? save. Walking track only members are not eligible . A nature enthusiast, she was intent on seeing a green heron that day, she said. Anglers can also fish for flathead catfish and pumpkinseed in both branches of the DuPage River and for walleye in Salt Creek. Oak Park resident Kristina Matarazzo-Moran said she too saw an animal swimming in the lake Sunday afternoon. The Citys diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. The upper East Branch resembles a channelized drainage ditch more than a potential recreational resource. Like the Whalon Lake Facebook pageto get news updates, photos, videos and information about upcoming programs at this preserve. Together, they make up eighty-four miles of waterway that drain a watershed of 326 square miles. "People that can walk up to it can appreciate the nature but still be . There are sculpins in the river that look like gobies. 5wC. These include being too tired, too cold, too far from safety, having too much sun, too much to drink and participating in too much strenuous activity. Beavers can look like river otters, and have been seen in the Paddleboat Quarry in Naperville and the nearby DuPage River. East Branch Du Page River DuPage - Illinois. Today it continues to serve as the centerfold of downtown, providing opportunities for paddle boating, or a leisurely stroll. The preserve is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which conserves more than 1,500 acres. Scott said until they know what IDNR decides to do about the river, it's business as usual for Plainfield River Tubing. Besides improving water quality in their habitats, Thompson said an effort was made between 1994 and 1997 to introduce more than 300 river otters to waterways in southeastern and central Illinois. Earlier this month, Scott penned a couple of posts on Patch. These changes are necessary due to the removal of Hammel Woods Dam near the gauge in Shorewood. Levels tend to be highest near big parking lots that have been recently resurfaced, he said. The permits allow holders to launch kayaks, canoes, rowboats, motorboats and other watercraft on four DuPage forest preserve lakes. It's the Seattle paradox: Water, water, everywhere, but not the kind you'd want to swim in. Flooding. Dont try to swim against a current if caught in one. Sunday: 12:00pm-3:00pm. About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. Aquatic Programs and Swimming. Naperville Park District's Weigand Riverfront Park at Washington Street and Ring Road is a popular spot for families to wade and splash around in the west branch of the DuPage River. DuPage River Greenway. Any spots to get in the DuPage River to cool off? Oak Park resident Kristina Matarazzo-Moran said she and her family were in a paddleboat Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, when she took a photo of beaver she'd seen swimming in the quarry adjacent to the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville. Asking someone else if its safe to swim puts an unfair responsibility on them. Officials said they would not comment on the rivers recreational status for the public, Plainfield River Tubing or fishing charters that operate on the river "until we get further direction from IDNR.". Places to swim in DuPage River ? hide. They have to make a quick decision to eat or let it go by. 05540228. A group of Plainfield residents' complaints to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) about people using the DuPage River has prompted a petition to circulate urging officials to save public access to the river.. Downtown Naperville may have a Loch Ness monster story of sorts. The path along the West Branch of the DuPage River is brick-lined and is quite shaded from riparian trees. In other words, Id expect an experienced swimmer to ask questions to enable them to make their own conclusion about whether or not its safe to swim rather than relying on someone elses judgement, especially someone you dont know. The lower part of the West Branch has several developed canoe launch sites. People often ask me if open water swimming is safe. The majority of a river's flow, especially in the dry season, will be from the millions of gallons of wastewater effluent every city must dispose of every day. I just pointed my phone in the right direction and hoped for the best, she said. There were no injuries to any firefighters at either event. We thought we went through all the proper procedures, which we did everything that was required to start our company. While we do not have control over wildlife, we do have control over our pets. . Marine Conservation Society shares incredible underwater photos on World Wildlife Day, Wild swimming show SWIM is back on tour, Healing waters: a new wave of social prescribing, Dr Cymru Welsh Water wants to know where and when you swim, English probably isnt his first language. Copyright 2023 Positively Naperville. Largemouth Bass with a small green strike king 1/4 swim jig blue pit boss trailer. The river is as it is; its your competence, experience and approach that determines whether or not its safe to swim in. The river begins as two individual streams. Our swimming school consists of 10 levels that are designed to enhance your childs swimming skills. With oppressive heat in the forecast, swimsuit-clad crowds are expected to not only hit local pools but area rivers and lakes where funky things can happen if swimmers don't take a few . East Branch DuPage River Churchill Woods. It is a pedestrian only path where biking is not allowed. Priority 1 Registration starts Monday, Feb. 22 for our upcoming , Priority Level 1 Registration for our upcoming Spring Session (March , Our Summer Session is June 5 August 13, 2017. Any spots to get in the DuPage River to cool off? They also have a GREAT make-up policy. 1191.18. If a kid has a bad wound , they should not go in pool. Parking is available at both locations. Osuch and Scott echoed each other when saying general recreational activities on the DuPage River increased due to COVID-19 lockdowns keeping people cooped up in their homes. The river begins as two individual streams. Many of these are found in the area of Bell Smith Springs and Bay Creek, and they're gorgeous. The West Branch of the DuPage River and Kress Creek are the last areas of radioactive contamination in the vicinity of the Rare Earths Facility remaining to be cleaned. Will County's Smallmouth Bass Secret - The Dupage River. Jeff Gahris, executive chair of the Sierra Clubs River Prairie Group, agrees that swimming in the DuPage River should be avoided because of the possibility of getting contaminated water in the mouth and eyes. Complaints to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and a petition about public use of the DuPage River is prompting the Naperville Park District to consider taking action. Dan Thompson, an ecologist with the DuPage County Forest Preserve Districts Office of Natural Resources, has seen Rogers' video and while perspectives can make it difficult to be sure, the animal does seem to be otter-like, he said. You may have heard the story earlier this week of two people who drowned in the DuPage River in Shorewood. Our partner, DICK'S Sporting Goods, is offering you a 20% off discount throughout the store to help you gear up for the season! West Branch DuPage RiverEast Branch DuPage River "That's what our frustration is. Teresa Rogers of Naperville captured what she now believes to be a North American river otter swimming around the paddleboat quarry in downtown Naperville. I created Outdoor Swimmer in 2011 (initially as H2Open Magazine) as an outlet for my passion for swimming outdoors. But not his teammates. "The attached resolution sets forth the position of the Naperville Park District," said Executive Director Ray McGury . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. What is the pre employment test for Canada Post? Many people are foregoing vacations, and all backyard equipment has been difficult to find., - data provided by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun). To rally support around maintaining access to the DuPage River for the public, Ralph Osuch a Plainfield resident of 21 years and an avid outdoorsman started a Change.org petition. As I was struggling to answer the delivery driver, it struck me that this is the wrong question to ask. From June 30 to July 9, rentals totaled 285, compared to 147 in 2019 and 226 in 2018 during the same time period, she said. "I understand there are a lot of other issues in Plainfield that have to be addressed too, but this has been going on too long to be ignored," Sima said. The preserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including red mulberry and wild leek. state of Illinois For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us. I suspect we will see more otters going forward, he said. Email Us
Paddleboards must be under 20 feet long, and visitors must have valid private watercraft permits, which are $5 per day or $30 per year for DuPage residents and $10 per day or $50 per year for nonresidents. Within the Shawnee National Forest, there isn't a single swimming hole to be found: there are tons. Urban rivers, like the DuPage River, are particularly vulnerable. Cooper said even before his business opened, he saw an increase in the number of people on the water. (PN File Photo). The issues, he told Patch, involve "floaters" as those who float down the river in inflatable boats and tubes are known trespassing on private property, consuming alcohol on the river and not always picking up their trash. I wouldnt drink it, Gahris said. 6 a.m.-Sunset (April-October)
While the site was closed for several weeks during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sale of launch passes started June 5, Cain said. St. Joseph Creek at Route 34 in Lisle. Wildlife found at the preserve includes a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks. "Its unfortunate its become such a big issue.". About DuPage River. Visitors can rent a boat from or bring their own private watercraft to enjoy boating and kayaking at several Forest Preserve District of DuPage County lakes. View Map. Dive in to Washington's glistening lakes and riversthe water's fine. I just dont know enough about him to give a sensible answer. My little one loves going to the DuPage Swim Center!And very importantly, it . The DuPage River Trail is an excellent hiking, running, cycling, horse riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trail that goes through Naperville, IL, and also extends farther north and south. Mon-Fri: 9:00am-8:00pm Swims are social at the Lake Washington T dock. The topic arose in discussion Thursday night during the park board's meeting, when a former state lawmaker commented on the controversy, advocating for officials to address it. Camiros, Ltd. H e a l t h & W e l l b e i n g L e a d e r s h i p & S t r a t e g y March 2015 I n f r a s t r u c t u r e & E n v i r o n m e n t E c o o m Due to its amazing location in the state its reachable in less than 30 minutes to the largest city in the state. - data provided by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage. In 1989, river otters were classified as an endangered species in the state. or
"I get what COVID has done to the river; its kind of given people an outlet," Osuch said. DuPage River has the following amenities based off of 18 reviews . He didnt know I publish a magazine about outdoor swimming nor that I had any particular interest in the river. The following navigation uses TAB to navigate through link items and ENTER or SPACE to open sub-navigation. Firstly, I couldnt figure out why he was asking me. As I was struggling to answer the delivery driver, it struck me that this is the wrong question to ask. The upper stretches of both branches run through residential neighborhoods. Because the people who rent kayaks tend to be beginners, Cooper has developed algorithm to decide when Naperville Kayaks will rent equipment. "Logic would say keep it open," Osuch told Patch. Her body was found days later in the west branch of the DuPage River at the Blackwell Forest Preserve. The dam at Hammel Woods was the site of drownings in 2019 and in 2013. (Photo courtesy of Deepak Sibal), Volunteer Morning: Whalon Lake - 3/25/2023 - 09:00 AM, to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation, PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE ON THIS PRESERVE'S INTERACTIVE MAP, protect and enhance its natural resources. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. Jeff Gahris, executive chair of the Sierra Clubs River Prairie Group, agrees that swimming in the DuPage River should be avoided because of the possibility of getting contaminated water in the mouth and eyes. East BranchThe usually canoeable part of the East Branch begins south of Warrenville Road in Lisle. The biggest river hazard, say both Gahris and Cooper, is flooding. This is a review for swimming pools in DuPage River, IL: "The pool offers a lot. PLAINFIELD, IL At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, when most Illinoisians were shuttered in their homes and public businesses were closed, two Plainfield residents opened a business to allow people to relax and enjoy nature while tubing on the DuPage River. While the river is fine for watercraft or inflatables, some experts say people should avoid swimming. The 249-acre Whalon Lake was acquired between 1992 and 2007. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. 11 Swimming Holes within Two Hours of Seattle. Now, about a year later, Plainfield River Tubing is caught in the crossfire of complaints from some Plainfield residents who own property right off the river. (Kristina Matarazzo-Moran). Chicago Tribune. Archived. Some may argue that the effluent has been treated and is within EPA standards for pathogen counts, but why risk swimming in water that was mixed in a huge tank of shit just the day before? The DuPage River is a 28.3-mile-long (45.5 km) tributary of the Des Plaines River in the U.S. state of Illinois. This 9 foot high dam has effectively disconnected the DuPage River from the Des One detailed the possibility of the DuPage River being made public due to some complaints, and the other since deleted addressed rumors that called the tubing company unlawful. He said they want the village to stop "turning a blind eye" to the problems and hold people who use the river accountable. She added that wearing foot covering old gym shoes or rubber water shoes is definitely encouraged, especially in areas where its shallow and a person needs to drag their kayak, raft, canoe or tube. Bacteria like E. coli and fecal coliform can cause intestinal illnesses like diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever, she said. DuPage Children's Museum 301 N. Washington St. (C2) This state-of-the-art museum is geared towards young children and their families. 2/2/2014. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers DRAFT - JULY 2018 DuPage River, Illinois Chicago District Feasibility Report and Integrated EA Executive Summary ES-2 Within the DuPage River Watershed, record stage was reached on the DuPage River near Naperville, as well as on the East Branch DuPage River at Bolingbrook and Downers Grove, and on the West Branch The crushed stone trail is approximately a 2-mile loop. "The Park District has recently installed signage illustrating proper river usage and has increased refuse collection at all of the Districts finished and unfinished river access locations," the statement said. The two pools are always well-maintained and kept clean. While there seems to be confusion floating among residents of Plainfield about the DuPage River, representatives from IDNR confirmed with Patch that the river is a private body of water and as such, "members of the public do not have a right to utilize the river for recreation.". People often ask me if open water swimming is safe. The DuPage Valley Conference (DVC) is an organization of six high schools in northeastern Illinois, representing seven communities in Chicago's suburbs. The East Branch is largely channelized, and the West Branch is mostly natural and meandering. Numbers are up in Will County preserves as well. It sounds like a simple question but I didnt know how to answer him. In the forest preserve districts most popular outdoor recreation site, Monee Reserve, numbers are up for launch passes, boat rentals and visitors in general, especially during the week, said Cindy Cain, the districts public information officer. 11. There are toilets and water in the forest preserve area south of Veteran's Park. Beavers behaviorally dont swim up to boats, nor do muskrats, and the size of the animal clearly looked bigger than a muskrat, Thompson said. "All we wanted to do was make for a hassle-free way for people to float and enjoy the river," Scott said. News, events and discussions from the suburbs of Chicago, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois, LaPorte, Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. I am also the author of Swim Wild & Free: A Practical Guide to Swimming Outdoors 365 a Year. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The DuPage River is a 28.3-mile-long (45.5 km) tributary of the Des Plaines River in the U.S. state of Illinois.. Moderate 75-yard walk on . The river flows a bit slower up north by all . The issue had been bubbling among residents for some time, as Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis put it, and it seems the tubing company was the straw that broke the camel's back. Water levels started receding slightly Thursday in the west branch of the DuPage River as people flocked to the Riverwalk downtown to catch a glimpse of the flooding caused by the 4.5 to 5.5 . Swimming has made a huge difference to my life and I want to share its joys and benefits with as many people as possible. Many families abandoned their summer trips because of fears of getting in a plane and are left with vacation budgets but not many options, Cooper said. The river begins as two individual streams. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Course. Prior to the District's acquisition of the land, the portion of the preserve that is now a lake was created and used as a quarry. Theres a ton of people on the river, he said. East Branch DuPage River at Bolingbrook. What are some highly rated swimming pools in DuPage River, IL? This is why it is so important to pick up and dispose of pet waste properly every time, everywhere in your yard, along a trail, in the forest preserve, Hammer said. The DuPage River is a 28.3-mile-long (45.5 km) tributary of the Des Plaines River in the U.S. state of Illinois. A flooded river moves much differently, Cooper said, and navigating around downed trees in the river or under concrete bridges is far more challenging. 79. Green Lake (PDF) 9. I live about 100m from the Thames. . The DuPage River, which touches parts of Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville, is not currently designated a public waterway, according to IDNR spokeswoman Rachel Torbert. . Stand-up paddleboarding is allowed on Silver Lake at Blackwell only during paddleboarding season, which is June 1 - Aug. 31. The Compass is full of District news andgeneral interest nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the coming week. My grandfather swam in that in the 20's stopped being clean enough to swim in the 30's. In fact, it was in 1981 in honor of Naperville's 150th anniversary that volunteers gathered to cleanup the DuPage River and create the Riverwalk. The preserve provides trailer parking and a boat launch on the lake for small fishing boats, and there is no launch fee or District permit required. The launch is the perfect starting point for a one-and-a-half hour trip down the West Branch of the DuPage River. We used to tube and the company has completely crowded the river. Access to these spots is found a couple miles southwest of the Teal Pond campground. Instead, I gave him a copy of the magazine, suggested he read the safety advice on our website and then let me know when he wants to swim so that I can keep an eye on him. There are families looking for fun things to do, and luckily there are outdoor options nearby, he said. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Whalon, like other small lakes in the area, has become a popular destination this summer as people look to get out of the house and be in or near water.