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St. Marys Quarry and Lind Sportsplex

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Image of a boy wearing goggles standing on the quarry deck

Contact Us

NOTICES

Operating hours

The St. Marys Quarry is closed for the season and will re-open in the summer of 2023.


The St. Marys Quarry was formerly a limestone Quarry that closed in 1920. In the mid-1940s it was converted into a public swimming area and remains one of the most popular spots in the area to visit on hot summer days.

Located beside the swimming quarry, the the Lind Sportsplex complex houses a curling rink and a summer shuffleboard league. Shuffleboard league information can be found in the Friendship Centre newsletter. Visit stmaryscurling.ca for St. Marys Curling Club details.

Summer Swimming

Dates and times
The St. Marys Quarry is closed for the 2022 season. Please stay tuned in the spring of 2023 for updated information for the 2023 summer season.
General admission rates

You must pay general admission for each swim time you attend. Payment may be made in person using cash, debit or credit card or through our secure online registration portal. 

  • Children/youth aged 3-17: $4.75 per person per swim time
  • Adults aged 18+: $7.25 per person per swim time 

Please note:  The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. 

Amenities included with general admission

The following features and amenities are included with general admission:

  • Cliff jump (water levels permitting)
  • Rafts and slide
  • 25 foot water trampoline
  • Shaded seating
  • Grassed area for picnics
  • Life jackets available
  • Summer snacks and treats are available for purchase at the Canteen

Please note:

  • Stand-up paddle board rentals are not available at this time.
  • Beach volleyball is closed for the season. 
Super Splash Waterpark (NOT INCLUDED with general admission.)

Please note:  The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. 


Perfect for a group or family outing, this floating playground features obstacles like the 14ft tall Ice Tower, which will challenge you with free climbing, and the Action Tower, which is 12ft tall, and acts like a giant slide.

For more details and to purchase passes to the Super Splash Waterpark, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca.
 

 

Before you go

Check our water quality
The water is tested on a regular basis for bacteria levels by Huron Perth Public Health to ensure it remains safe for swimmers. To see the latest results, visit the Beach Water Quality page and find the Quarry listed in the Current Status Table.
Review tips for being "water smart"

Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more:

  • Swimming, Boating and Water Safety Tips - Canadian Red Cross
  • Lifesaving Society | Water Safety
  • Startboating.ca
  • Office of Boating Safety (canada.ca)
  • Be sun safe - Canadian Cancer Society
Decide where to park

There is a small, free parking lot across the street from the St. Marys Quarry. We also have bike racks available.

Several municipal lots are also available downtown within a ten to twenty minute walking distance depending on the lot.  

For more details, please download our parking map with estimated walking times. (Accessible version available upon request.)

Admission guidelines

Note: Life jackets are available to use at no cost.

7 years and under

Regardless of swimming ability, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 4 children per parent/guardian with lifejackets.

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.

 8 to 11 years

Child is a non-swimmer or 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, with a maximum of 4 children per parent/guardian with lifejackets on.

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.

Children aged 8-11 that do not pass the swim test will be given a blue band for access to the trampoline. Parent/guardian must be close by the trampoline watching their children.

Child can complete swim test:

Admitted unaccompanied.

12 years and up
Admitted unaccompanied. Recommended to always swim with a buddy.
Quarry swim test
Tread water for 3 minutes and swim 100 meters continuously (50m continuously swimming on front, 50m optional swim). The swim needs to be continuous and it is the lifeguard’s discretion as to whether the child has a strong enough swimming ability at the end of the test. 
Swim attire
Swim/bathing attire is used for the purpose of swimming only. T-shirts are permitted. Undergarments, cut-offs and street clothes are not permitted.
Definitions
  • 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.

What to expect and rules

Swimming conditions and skills

Swimming conditions

  • Water is deep. Depths vary throughout the season in swim area.
  • Water may be cold
  • Bottom is rocky and uneven
  • Ladders may be difficult to climb
  • You may feel/encounter: fish, weeds, slippery surfaces including stairs, rocks and ladders

Swimming skills

  • Know your limitations, including physical fitness, swimming ability and medical conditions
  • Lifejackets are available and free to use
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Stay 'within arm’s reach' of children
First aid station

First aid station and emergency phone are located in the lifeguard office.

General rules
  • Swimming under the rafts and other water features is not allowed
  • Swim within the buoy area
  • Please walk on the deck
  • Get out of the water if you hear one long whistle blow
  • Listen to the lifeguards at all times, ask questions if you are unsure
  • know your limitations, including physical fitness, swimming ability and medical conditions
  • Lifejackets are available and free to use
Raft and slide rules
  • Play safe
  • One at a time on the slide
  • Feet first down the slide
Cliff jump rules
  • Only open if water levels permit
  • For ages 8 and up (green and blue bands)
  • Feet first jumping only – no running, handstands, inwards, flips, dives, spinning etc.
  • One person may jump at a time, all others please wait behind the line
  • Look before you jump, wait until the area below is clear
  • Jump straight off and exit quickly
  • Do not climb or sit on the railings
Water trampoline rules
  • For ages 6 and up
  • Parents/guardians of children that have not passed the swim test (blue bands) must be close by the trampoline watching their children
  • Maximum of 6 people on the trampoline at a time
  • Always enter the water feet first
  • Do not attempt flips, somersaults or other aerobatic manoeuvres on the trampoline
  • Never swim or play under or around the water trampoline
  • Bounce in the center of the trampoline surface away from the padded metal frame
  • Maximum 15 minute jump during peak times
Super Splash Waterpark rules

Please visit the Super Splash Safety Webpage (external link) for details.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Super Splash Waterpark included in the general admission fee?

No, the Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass.

Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website to purchase your pass to the inflatable park.

You may also pay for your Super Splash Waterpark pass in person. Visit the Super Splash website for pricing.

Where do I find out more about the Super Splash Waterpark?
Please visit supersplashstmarys.ca.
How do I book a swim online?

Follow these steps to set up an account and then book a swim time.

Create an account with a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet

  1. Using your browser, visit the ActiveNet Registration Page select Sign In/Up and locate the “Don’t have an account?” and click Join.
  2. Enter the email address you would like to use as your login
  3. Begin entering your personal information, and create a password.
  4. Read and agree to the Terms of Use, Copyright Policy and Your Privacy Rights and click next.
  5. Continue completing your personal information, click "I’m not a robot" and hit submit.
  6. Once your account has been created, please check your email to activate your account.
  7. After your account has been activated, you may now manage your account settings, including subscribing for communications, and adding family members to your account.
  8. If you are accessing your account from your mobile device, please click the menu on the left top corner and select 'full site' to enable editing of your account.

Download a PDF Version of these instructions with screenshots.

Sign-up for a swim time

  1. Visit the ActiveNet Registration Page.
  2. Sign in with your email and password.
  3. Select the Activities tab to see your list of options.                          
  4. Choose the category St. Marys Quarry.
  5. The next page displays all available times and dates in that category. Select the Enroll Now for your date and time.
  6. Next, select the participant, respond to some basic questions, and finally click on Add to cart.
  7. Select Finish and pay. You will be able to pay with a credit card.
  8. You’ll receive a receipt as confirmation of your registration.

IMPORTANT: Super Splash Waterpark Inflatable sold separately

The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. 

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations. 

How to cancel

  1. Click on “My Account” in the top right.
  2. Click on “Transaction and payment history.”
  3. Select "Withdraw" on the activity you would like to cancel.
  4. Confirm your refund amount.
  5. Confirm you are canceling the correct program, then click "Finish".
  6. View your receipt.

Download a PDF version of these instructions with screenshots. 

If you are not able to cancel your swim online, please call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. Please note that we do not take cancellations for the Super Splash Waterpark. For details about Super Splash, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca.

Is there parking at the quarry?

There is a small, free parking lot across the street from the St. Marys Quarry. We also have bike racks available.

Several municipal lots are also available downtown within a ten to twenty minute walking distance depending on the lot.  

For more details, please download our parking map with estimated walking times. (Accessible version available upon request.)

Are there bathrooms?

Yes, bathrooms are available.

Why are stand up paddle board rentals currently on hold?

Until we get a feel for the flow of people in and out of the Super Splash waterpark, we are pausing Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals. Should they resume, we will post an update on this webpage. You can click our the "Receive Email Updates" button at the bottom of the page if you are interested in receiving notification of any updates.

Can I play beach volleyball? 
Beach volleyball is closed for the 2022 season due to space requirements for the Super Splash inflatable. 
Are food and beverages sold on site?
Yes, you can purchase non-alcoholic food and beverages at the Canteen.
How was the quarry constructed?
The quarry was constructed in the mid-1800s. Workers used dynamite to extract limestone blocks until the 1930s. Between 1930 and 1935, the quarry filled with water and was used as a popular swimming spot by the locals. In 1945, the town bought it and the adjoining Thames Quarry along with 50 acres of surrounding land for $2,200.
Where does the water in the quarry come from?

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. 

How deep is the quarry?

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA): 

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

What kinds of fish are in the quarry?

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.

Can I swim or boat in the west/fishing quarry?
You may fish in the west "fishing" quarry between dawn and dusk from the Riverview Walkway, platform and stone outcrop. Swimming and boating in the west quarry is prohibited by the Quarry By-law.
Can I bring my pet?
No pets are allowed. 
Can I bring my inflatables to the quarry?
Inflatables are not permitted at the quarry; however, feel free to bring a noodle! 
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