CRYSLER PARK MARINA KICKS OFF SUMMER
Marker 72 Dockside Patio and Instant Camping Now Available

June 23, 2009

Crysler Park Marina on the beautiful shores of the St. Lawrence River is more than a docking stop for transient and seasonal boaters, and staff members at this premier boating facility are excited to kick off the summer this week with a variety of new entertaining and recreational activities that will appeal to boaters, tourists and the local market alike. From instant camping, bike, canoe and kayak rentals to the opening of the fully licensed Marker 72 Dockside Patio, Crysler Park Marina is rapidly becoming a hub for recreational activity in Eastern Ontario. “We saw a tremendously positive response to the improvements we made to Crysler Park Marina last year and we are building on the success of those activities,” said Pat Macdonald, General Manager and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “We are trying to engage and entertain our guests more, and to build a recreational destination. Stay tuned because we will be introducing some other very exciting recreational products in a couple of weeks.”

As a result of last year’s success and the continued demand for dockage, five dock extensions have been added. “The response from our seasonal boaters has been very strong this year and we had to increase our ability to accommodate larger boats,” said Tim Robins, Harbour Master of Crysler Park Marina. “We are really conveniently located on the St. Lawrence River and with all of the added recreational activities we are a great home base for boaters.”

With sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, Marker 72 Dockside Patio is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the activity on the river or have a cold drink and a snack. Located right in the midst of all of the action, Marker 72 is now open for the season from Noon to 8:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fully licensed, the patio also offers a revamped menu including new items such as Spinach Salad, Quesadilla and Berry Celebration. This year a new indoor lounge area has been added providing guests with the opportunity to take shelter in the event of inclement weather. There are plans to have live entertainment at the patio on selected nights and afternoons throughout the summer.

The Ontario Power Generation Community Pavilion located next to the marina is now a centre for recreational activities including air hockey, foosball, table tennis and Wii to name a few. On selected nights musical entertainment will be provided featuring open mic nights to showcase local talent along with movie nights. The Pavilion officially launches the summer program this Friday, June 26.

Nearby, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission is pilot testing a new concept in Eastern Ontario called Instant Camping. Starting on Friday, June 26 Instant Camping will be available at five sites at Crysler Park Marina and five sites at Riverside-Cedar Campground. Aimed at guests who are new to camping, don’t have all of the gear or don’t want the hassle of setting up for the night, Instant Camping offers an almost fully set-up campsite. The tents accommodate up to six people are set up on platforms ensuring dry, comfortable conditions and are durable, wind and rain proof and offer excellent ventilation. Campsites come fully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Campers just have to bring their sleeping bags, air mattresses, food and utensils. Instant Campsites are priced at $39.95 per night, Friday through Sunday; $36.95 on weekdays Monday through Thursday. Campers can save an additional $3 per night off weeknights with each additional weeknight booked. To book your Instant Campsite call Crysler Park Marina at 613-543-3254 or Riverside-Cedar Campground at 613-543-3287.

Visit the web site at www.cryslerparkmarina.com to find out more information on the Marina or call 613-543-3254.

Crysler Park Marina is located in Morrisburg just minutes from Upper Canada Village, Upper Canada Golf Course and Riverside-Cedar Campground. For information on the Commission’s other facilities and/or campground reservations, telephone 1-800-437 2233 (613-543-4328 locally).

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, has facilities and attractions stretching from the Ontario-Quebec border (Glengarry Campground) in the east to Kingston (Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada) in the west, as well as Upper Canada Village, two parkways, a migratory bird sanctuary, golf course and marina. The Crysler Park Marina and Dockside Patio are located off County Road 2, 9 km east of Morrisburg, Exit 758 off Highway 401, just 60 minutes southeast of Ottawa and 90 minutes west of Montreal, east of Kingston and northeast of Watertown, New York.

CONTACT: Susan Le Clair, Product Development & Corporate Marketing Officer, susan.leclair@parks.on.ca

TEL 613-543-3704