Day Use Area Map - (PDF)

Picnics and Day Use
Throughout the day use area there are many picnic areas and 11 shelters with a BBQ on site. These shelters may be reserved by contacting the park (additional fee applies). Picnic Shelters can be reserved 7 days a week. It is a great alternative for your business meetings!  Picnic shelters are reserved starting Janurary 3rd each year for the period of mid-June to July 31 and on February 1 for the period of August 1 to mid-September. Reservations are required for picnic shelters, call (905) 827-6911 extension 288 to reserve for your company or family picnic.

The Day Use area offers a recreation complex, historical Spruce Lane Farm, Nature Centre, Children's Farm and Playbarn, nature trails and park store.

Children’s Farm and Play Barn

Children ten years of age and younger can jump, slide, hide and crawl for hours in a converted barn hayloft. They can also get up close and personal to learn about a variety of farm animals.  The barn and play barn are open year round with extended hours in July and August.  School groups and day camps can book ½ hour times to compliment their field trip to Bronte Creek.  Call (905) 827-6911 ext. 288 to book your group.

Farms

In the buildings that surround the Play Barn (parking Lot C) you can find pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep.  The Children’s Farm provides an opportunity for children to discover and learn about domestic farm animals.  You are sure to see piglets, lambs and chicks in the spring.

The Spruce Lane Farm was built around 1899 and reflects the Victorian era lifestyle.  Animals on the farm include peacocks, horses, cows and pigs.  You will feel like you have become a part of history when you participate in authentic Victorian period chores, holiday traditions or participate in cooking demonstrations.  A trip to Spruce Lane Farm will bring early settlement history alive (Parking Lot F). 

Shelter Information
Concrete Shelters – Green, Sand and Grey
These three shelters are unique in that they are semi-enclosed and feature two fireplaces with (1’ x 1’) removable grill, ideal for both cooking and relaxing in front of a warm fire. These shelters are located near parking lot “A” and are close to two washrooms. Their design includes two sinks, electrical outlets and large fields for family games and sports. They are designed to hold up to 150 people (under roofed area). The cost of renting a cement shelter is $150.00 per day, plus daily vehicle permits for all picnic guests.

The Green shelter is the closest to parking lot “A” and was built next to a large outdoor playground with swings and slides to keep children amused for hours.

The Sand shelter is the closest picnic shelter to our popular Children’s farm and Play barn. The Sand shelter is a short distance from parking lot “A”. If your visitors intend to bring a large number of supplies for their picnic, please advise them to bring a wagon or trolley to help them carry equipment from the parking lot.

The Grey shelter (near parking lot “A”) is the most secluded of the three and ideal for larger picnics. Along with the largest field, it is built right next to two of our most scenic walking trails, the Logging and Mice Men and Maiden Blush. The grey shelter is also located near the paved rollerblading trail. If your visitors intend to bring a great deal of supplies for their picnic, please advise them to bring a wagon or trolley to help them carry the equipment from the parking lot.

Baseball Shelters – Baseball A, Baseball B and Baseball C
These open, wooden (25’ x 65’) shelters are conveniently located near parking lot “A” are designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Their design includes electrical outlets, a (4’ x 2’) charcoal barbecue and a large field that surrounds each of these with a baseball diamond in close proximity. These shelters were built adjacent to a washroom and outdoor tap for collecting water. The cost of renting any Baseball shelter is $150.00 per day, plus daily vehicle permits for all picnic guests.

Tyrell Shelters – Tyrell A and Tyrell B
These open, wooden (25 ’x 65’) shelters are conveniently located near parking lot “A” are designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Their design includes a (4’ x 2’) charcoal barbecue and a large field that surrounds each of these with a baseball diamond and nature trail in close proximity. Please note that there is no hydro at these shelters. The shelters are located near a washroom and outdoor tap for collecting water. If your visitors intend to bring a great deal of supplies, please advise them to bring a wagon/trolley to help them carry equipment. The cost of renting any Tyrell shelter is $$150.00 per day, plus daily vehicle permits for all picnic guests.

D Shelter
This open, wooden (25’ x 65’) shelter located near parking lot “D” and our pool, is designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Its design includes electrical outlets, a (4’ x 2’) charcoal barbecue, and washroom facilities nearby. There is also a water tap and drinking fountain adjacent to the shelter. Located near the recreation complex, this shelter provides easy access to our recreation activities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, and rollerblading. The Park Store is nearby offering equipment rentals, Ontario Parks merchandise, food and Pepsi? products. The cost of renting this shelter is $$150.00 per day, plus daily vehicle permits for all picnic guests.

F Shelter
This shelter is perhaps the most convenient but overlooked of them all. Positioned near parking lot “F”, this shelter is close to the pool, recreation complex and our beautiful Victorian farmhouse and farm, Spruce Lane. Complete with two large fields, this (25’ x 65’) open, wooden shelter has electrical outlets, water and a (4’ x 2’) charcoal barbecue. This shelter is designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Please note, that if there is a number of elderly of physically disabled guests at your picnic, the restroom facilities are quite a distance away. The cost of renting the F shelter is $150.00 per day, plus daily vehicle permits for all picnic guests.

Breckon Shelter
Our rustic (30’ x 70’) Breckon shelter was built in 2000 and is designed to hold up to 160 people (under roofed area). The attraction of this shelter is its versatility. It features barn style wooden doors that can either be open or closed, making weather an insignificant factor on a picnic. The cost to rent this shelter is $200.00 per day. The Breckon shelter is equipped with a kitchen counter with sink, electrical outlets, indoor lights and a (4’ x 2’) charcoal barbecue. The Breckon shelter is located near parking lot “F” and is close to Spruce Lane farm, with washrooms located nearby.

Although grills are included in rental fees (in all shelters except Green, Grey and Sand), please remember to bring charcoal, starter fluid and a barbecue brush on the day of your picnic. It may also be advisable to bring picnic tablecloths since the shelters and picnic tables are exposed to the elements and wildlife.

Please note that all visitors must obtain a daily vehicle permit. If a group has contracted a third party caterer, the picnic group is responsible for admission fees. Also, all catering fees are to be on a contractual basis (no food vendors).

Please remember that the park is to be enjoyed by hundreds of people daily who are looking for a little escape and a good time. For this reason, excessive noise will not be tolerated at any time (i.e. sound systems, DJs and bands are strictly prohibited). Please ensure that all pets are kept on leash at all times while in the park. It is provincial law that dogs are to be leashed at all times, and their owners are responsible for disposing of any waste.