Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned sand castle contest. West Hill Dam, partnering with the Friends of Beginning Bridges of Northbridge and Uxbridge, hosted such an event at the recreational site’s beach area August 12.
Nearly 90 people from very small children to bigger kids 12 and over participated in the event. There were no age limitations to make a sand castle. “The rules were very simple – bring your own tools, creativity,” said Park Ranger Viola Bramel, West Hill Dam. “No live decorations and no spray paint for color. Everyone had about 90 minutes to make their creations.”
The contest broke the sand castles down to three categories: Largest, Most Unusual and Most Creative. Beginning Bridges provided the prizes. The Largest Castle winner received a book entitled, “Money Matters for Youth,” and a youth press and decorate wall map.
In addition to the sand castle contest, Bramel provided a Water Safety race and demonstration with life jackets. Everyone who attended received a Water Safety Flying Ring and Bobber Dog coloring book. Although West Hill Dam holds an annual sand castle contest early in July, this was the first time they co-hosted an event with the Friends of Beginning Bridges.
According to BrainBuildingIProgress.org, The Brain Building in Progress campaign is a public/private partnership of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and a growing community of early education and child care providers, academic researchers, business leaders and individuals.
West Hill Dam and Park remain open year round. West Hill Park is where the West River widens to form a large, natural swimming hole, known locally as Harrington Pool. Tables and grills are available for picnicking in two areas of the park, one near a beach and one under a grove of pines. The park also offers two sandy beaches, a change house and modern rest rooms. Two picnic shelters on a wooded knoll, with electric are available to groups for a small fee. A sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and accessible playground are nearby. From the parking lot, a 1/2 mile, self-guided nature trail runs down along the river and loops back through the woods.
About two miles of hiking trails meander through the woodlands and provide secluded views of the river. Anglers will find trout in the main river channel and bass, pickerel and horned pout in the pools. Hunting for deer, small game and upland birds is permitted in accordance with state laws. Trout and pheasant are stocked by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
For more information on the many recreational opportunities at West Hill Dam please go to: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Portals/74/docs/Recreation/WHD/AnnualEventsCalendar2015.pdf