16 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



Rondeau Park 



This Park, although small in size in comparison with the two previously 

 enlarged upon, is nevertheless of equal if not greater importance from the view- 

 point, at any rate, of the number of visitors making it their summer rendezvous. 

 But 5,000 acres in size, comprising a peninsula in Kent County extending into 

 Lake Erie, only twelve miles from Ridgetown and a few miles farther from 

 Blenheim and Chatham, it affords ample space for summer residents and easy 

 access for motor-cars from the surrounding well-settled districts of the South- 

 western portion of the Province. Its proximity to Detroit and the border cities 

 invites special attention. The great expanse of Lake Erie on one side and the 

 more peaceful waters of the Harbour on the Eau side lend themselves to good 

 fishing, excellent bathing and fine boating, and an ideal development of summer 

 cot'^^e sites on the land. Longitudinal roads skirting both sides and sufficient 

 lateral "i\!y&ds enable the motorist to take in the whole Park and enjoy the 

 exhilarating atmo ^ere of an enchanted corner of nature's wonderland. Here 

 is found a mixed tyf^P jf timber, practically every species indigenous to Old 

 Ontario. 



That this sequestered spot, owned, operated and controlled by the Province 

 for the good of the public, does not go unappreciated is evidenced from the fact 

 that to-day there are 268 summer homes erected, all occupied during the summer 

 season. In addition to these permanent structures several of which were built 

 within the year, to the contrary notwithstanding the general depression, there 

 was an average of 65 tents during the months from June 15th to September 

 15th. This accounts for a resident summer population of approximately 1,600 

 persons. When these are taken in conjunction with the ordinary daily transients 

 — motoring, picnicing or bathing — the average daily population is over 3,000. 

 On Sundays and holidays the population is closer to 10,000, and the successful 

 handling of these numbers seeking health and happiness provides a situation 

 and presents a problem not found in the other Parks. 



The limited staff, comprising a Superintendent, 3 permanent officials and 

 8 temporary ones, is constantly engaged, as may be inferred, in maintaining 

 roads and buildings, looking after sanitation, controlling traffic, and keeping 

 law and order; this during the summer season is day and night work. Roads 

 consisting of 10 miles of improved gravel construction for two-way traffic and 

 15 miles of single-track back trails are regularly maintained and the 40 Govern- 

 ment-owned structures are systematically cared for. 



Special pastimes for picnicers are provided in the form of pavillion enter- 

 tainments, miniature golf, pony riding, bathing, boating, et cetera. Park equip- 

 ment for the service of the public is provided and every effort made towards 

 furnishing facilities for the convenience of the public. 



Pheasants of different species, confined in a specially constructed aviary, 

 Wild Canada Geese, Turkeys and other bird types may be viewed by visitors. 



In the lower part of the Park, in the marshy and tag-alder area, red deer 

 thrive. They are, because of their restricted haunts and limited food supplies, 

 inbred and small of stature. From time to time their increase is beyond the 

 natural food supply, and to avoid their treking into adjacent cleared and private 

 areas and becoming a menace a certain number are shot. During the past year 

 187 were thus despatched and their carcasses, totalling 16,287 lbs., were sold 

 at an average of 13^c. a pound. There are still probably 200 deer in the Park. 

 A few for show purposes have been maintained in a wire enclosure and it is 

 the intention in due time to restrict all deer to a large, select wire enclosure 



