Swimming Quarry

Child cannot complete swim test: 

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision. Maximum number of children 8 bathers to one parent/guardian (8:1) with approved life-jackets. These are to be worn by all non-swimmers in their charge. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm's reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water.

Child can complete swim test: Admitted unaccompanied.

• Direct Supervision - Able to render immediate assistance, 'within arm's reach'.
• Guardian - A person of at least 12 years of age who is responsible for the children.

Experience the quarry on a stand up paddleboard! 

Ages: 12 years and up (Youth ages 12 to 17 must have a parent to sign waiver.)

Fee: $8 for 45 minutes

Take a plunge off our cliff jump or try out our slide (water levels permitting).

Cliff Jump Rules: 

• You must be 8 years and older to use the cliff jump 

• Feet first jumping only; no running, handstands, inwards, flips, dives, spinning

• Only one person may jump at a time; all others must wait behind line

• Look before you jump; wait until the area is clear before entering

• You must jump straight off the end of the cliff jump and swim out of the area immediately

• Do not sit or climb on the railings 

Bounce on our 25-foot water trampoline!

Ages:  Children 8 years and older only

Rules:

• Maximum of 6 people on the trampoline at a time
• Always enter the water feet first
• Do not attempt flips, somersaults or other acrobatic manoeuvres on the trampoline
• Never swim or play under or around the water trampoline
• Bounce in the centre of the trampoline surface away from the padded metal frame 
• Maximum 15 minute jump during peak times

Water running classes

Deep water running closely mimics actual running movements. This class is easy on the joints while strengthening and building muscle. Enjoy a fun, aerobic and calorie burning workout!

Dates:  Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 2 to August 29, 2019
Time: 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Cost: $3

Drop by and learn how to swim from one of our enthusiastic instructors. These classes are for levels 5 to 10.

Dates: Monday to Friday from July 2 to August 23, 2019
Time: 11:15 - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $7.25

Join us for a variety of registered programs, including day camps, Junior Lifeguard Club and Advanced Aquatics courses. To learn more, view the Town of St. Marys Recreation and Leisure Program Guide online or pick-up a copy at Pyramid Recreation Centre Guide Services (317 James Street South, St. Marys).

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

The water in the Quarry originates from groundwater discharging from fractures or cracks in the bedrock, and from precipitation. Groundwater is always cold, staying within a few degrees of 10˚ Celsius, year round. As a result, the water in the Quarry is cool during the swimming season and relatively warmer in the winter.

Groundwater levels are also fairly constant, varying only about 1 metre over the course of a year. Groundwater is at its highest in the winter/early spring, and relatively stable throughout the summer. During hot summers, water levels in the Quarry may drop slightly due to increased evaporation and surface water temperatures may be warmer. 

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

Water depths in the Quarry range from 3 to 10 metres.

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

The main fish species found in the Quarry are Common Carp, Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass. The fish are able to migrate between the west quarry fishing hole across the street and the Quarry through the underwater tunnel connecting the two. In an open watercourse, species like Common Carp and Pumpkinseed would move to warmer portions of that waterbody. However, they are still able to survive in the colder water temperatures found in the Quarry.

Common Carp
The Common Carp is a large, deep-bodied fish, varying in colour from silver to olive-green, brass or grey on the back and sides. It has whisker-like appendages called barbels near the corners of its mouth. Native to Asia, carp were introduced to North America from non-native populations in Europe. Common Carp adapt to a variety of conditions, tolerating all types of bottoms and water clarity ranging from clear to murky.

Pumpkinseed

The Pumpkinseed is a very deep-bodied, laterally compressed, almost disk-like fish. The fish’s breast and belly are orange to red-orange, and its back and sides are brown to olive. Its sides and back are speckled with orange, yellow, blue, and emerald spots. Pumpkinseeds can be found in large schools and often make up the largest portion of the fish population in small, warm bodies of water. Part of the sunfish family, the Pumpkinseed is native to eastern North America.

Rock Bass

The Rock Bass is a small and very deep-bodied fish. Its back and upper sides are brown to olive with golden tints, and often with dark saddles. It has a large red eye and its mouth is large and extends backwards to below the middle of the eye. The Rock Bass is part of the sunfish family and can be found swimming with other sunfish and bass. It is a cool-water fish native to Ontario.