Batavia's Quarry Beach to stay open longer on extra-hot days

Batavia Park District is rethinking its decision to close Hall Quarry Beach evenings - at least for days where air temperatures reach 90 degrees.

It announced Wednesday that on days when such high temperatures are predicted (by forecasters at weather.com and wgntv.com) the pool will stay open until 6:30 p.m. The decision will be made before the pool opens for the day at 11:30 a.m. Normally, it closes at 5 p.m.

A week of 90-plus weather in June spurred the change.

"A lot of our guests on hot days were requesting we stay open," said Kari Miller, the district's marketing and public relations director. People asked lifeguards and managers at the Quarry, and also submitted comments on the district's Web site.

On nights when swim lessons take place, recreational bathers will be restricted to the center and south areas of the Quarry. And if a private party already has made reservations to rent it for an evening, the Quarry will be closed to the public.

Another change being made is that beginning 30 minutes before closing the north gate to Quarry Beach will be opened for those who had to park in the overflow lot. This year, admission has been restricted to the south gate.

The district shortened pool hours in January, saying there weren't usually enough swimmers in the evening to justify the cost of keeping it open. In years past, Quarry Beach was open from 12:30 to 8 p.m. (7 p.m. in August).

Of course, this may all be moot, given weather.com predicts temperatures in the 70s and 80s for the next 10 days, and AccuWeather.com says we won't hit 90 until July 21. Wgntv.com, on the other hand says we could hit 91 Friday - but there will also be thunderstorms.