Around the corner

Beothuk Family Park is a great place to spend the entire summer or even just weekends in between.

On the outskirts of Grand Falls-Windsor, it boasts a variety of amenities to ensure that your stay is comfortable. It's located on Rushy Pond with a boat launch and good fishing right from shore, especially in the evenings.

Six years ago, Alex Faulkner bought the facility and along with his son Shawn and Shawn's girlfriend Bonnie Turpin operate the park and are constantly looking at ways to make improvements.

"We have put in a lot of facilities; washrooms, showers, laundry facilities," said Shawn. "We have done some work on the beach, built a cook house, and a playground."

There are 72 campsites, 20 are geared for tents. All sites have power and artesian water. Most of the sites are equipped with 30-amp service which allows for the RV's to power appliances such as microwaves and air conditioning units for the extra hot summer days.

The Faulkners strive to emphasize family and encourage parents to join in the fun. They offer programs for the children such as street hockey and basketball and arts and crafts.

"We stopped a lot of the partying the park was known for in the past, you can still have a few drinks, that all goes with it at the camp fire and stuff, but we have quiet hours as well and they are strictly enforced," said Shawn. "We just want the campers to respect their neighbours as they would in their own area. We have no trouble here at all any more."

Each summer they hire students under the student grant program. Angela Corbin worked at the park last summer and will be returning this summer as well. One of the programs she will be doing this summer includes arts and crafts for the children. It will be scheduled for an hour and a half each morning.

"The kids love it, 10-11:30 in the morning you got Mom being able to prepare supper, or run to the store, or have a little bit of quality time," said Shawn. "They can relax because they know that their kids are being taken care of, having a group activity and in safe hands."

The Faulkner's goal at the park is to attract more families and provide a memorable experience during their stay. For further information you can call the park at 489-9832 or check out the parks website, www.beothukpark@nf.aibn.com.