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Updated: 9:21 AM Sep 6, 2010
Labor Day Crowd Disappointed Albemarle Co. Beaches are Closed
Folks hoping to spend the Labor Day weekend basking in the sun at Albemarle's public beaches found themselves out of luck. The lakes closed early this season to a disappointed crowd.
Posted: 6:37 PM Sep 5, 2010Reporter: Bianca Spinosa Email Address: bianca.spinosa@newsplex.com |
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September 5, 2010
Folks hoping to spend the Labor Day weekend basking in the sun at Albemarle's public beaches found themselves out of luck. The lakes closed early this season to a disappointed crowd.
Funding for the public beaches dried up this summer, meaning the lakes were completely fenced off so no one could go for a swim.
The Besiers are one family that tried. They were all set up for a relaxing afternoon at Walnut Creek Park, until they arrived and saw the beaches were barren.
"We planned on going fishing for a little bit and spending the day on the beach, and it's all gated off," said Gwen Besier.
The lock on the entrance gate and the sign on the fence saying "Beaches Closed" took the family by surprise.
"We've been coming here for years, but didn't know they closed this early, usually they're open this time of year so I'm very disappointed," said Besier.
Albemarle County operates three public beaches. This year they lacked funding to stay staffed with lifeguards for the Labor Day weekend, a time when county officials say attendance dries up.
Some University of Virginia students just heard about the lake.
"This is the last hurrah before the summer closes, so it would have been nice even if we're not swimming to go down to the water," says Christine Gallagher.
Gallagher says she plans to recommend the beaches to her UVa friends, to help them get more business.
"I will definitetly recommend this to people I know. I think it's a great way to enjoy Charlottesville."
Locals have been going to the public beaches for years.
"I wish they made arrangements at least for this week to be open," says Besier.
Instead the family is launching their boat elsewhere, and hoping the county can dredge up funds to keep the beaches from drowning in debt.
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