Quarry renovation project nearly complete

The Batavia Park District commenced construction in fall 2011 to remedy the water loss issue at Hall Quarry Beach. The work is scheduled to wrap up in plenty of time for the 2012 season. The work included installation of a geomembrane liner, which is intended to prevent water from leaking out of the Quarry and in turn help maintain a consistent water temperature.

Crews built a concrete wall and installed an underground drainage system. After the geomembrane liner was installed, it was covered with a “geoweb”, a four-inch thick layer of protection for the liner. Sand was then brought back in to cover the swimming area.

In the spring, Park District maintenance crews will begin the work of filling the Quarry and preparing it for opening day 2012. Filling the Quarry is a lengthy process since it holds more than a million gallons of water, which equates to a little over an acre of water surface once filled.

Throughout construction, a time lapse video captured images of the process. The video can now be viewed on the Park District’s website at bataviaparks.org/parks-facilities.htm.

For more information please call 630-879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.

Marilyn Robinson honored with memorial tree at Batavia Riverwalk

Batavia third graders and their teachers held a tree dedication in the honor of Marilyn Robinson, noted Batavia historian, on Tuesday, November 29 at the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St. The students and teachers raised funds for the memorial. According to the plaque, the tree is being dedicated to Marilyn Robinson who inspired countless third graders to love Batavia through her book “Little Town in a Big Woods”.

Marilyn Robinson was the Batavia Depot Museum’s historian for more than 20 years. She spent countless hours in the Gustafson Research Center at the Museum. Shortly after Robinson’s death, the Batavia Historical Society donated a room in the Research Center in her honor.

Marilyn enjoyed helping people with research inquiries, giving tours to third graders and helping with special events at the Depot Museum. “She dedicated her life to educating children and people about the history of Batavia,” said Carla Hill, Depot Museum Director, “She was always there.”

For more information about the Marilyn Robinson memorial please contact Carla Hill at the Batavia Depot Museum at 630-406-5274.