There are many names for the ongoing construction at the Lakehurst Hall property, including amphitheatre, community activity centre, lower bowl and trailhead.

Well, all those names are correct.

A trailhead is a point where a trail starts or can be accessed. There is an existing trail behind the Lakehurst Hall, which the municipality will use as part of its Open Spaces Master Plan. Part of this trailhead will be known as the Lakehurst Hall lower bowl trailhead. With needed maintenance of the trail, the intent is that this area will be used by trail walkers, picnickers and/or as a respite area.

An amphitheatre is an outdoor venue for entertainment, performance and sports. This venue will serve as an opportunity for rehearsals and performances of the Trent Lakes Academy of Youth Performing Arts.

In addition, Lakehurst Hall will be used as a community activity centre for weddings, outdoor pictures, nature presentations, painting and youth activities, among other things.

Notice the words “youth activities?” One resident, Bruce Averill, has been very involved in the Trent Lakes Academy of Youth Performing Arts. He has organized a program of improv classes at Lakehurst Hall and Buckhorn Public School, and has won an award from the county for leadership in arts and culture. He hopes to have a summer drama camp at this Lakehurst venue. In August, he has an acoustic group, the Fern Marwood Band, on the performance schedule.

Young Construction Company of Fenelon Falls is doing the Lakehurst Hall project. They have constructed similar projects in the area including one in Fenelon Falls. A capital grant was received by the Municipality of Trent Lakes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for $185,400.

A three-tiered armour stone seating system facing a performance area is being constructed. There will be seating for 150 people. An armour stone wall will separate the theatre and the parking lot. A limestone gravel path will connect the forest trail behind Lakehurst Hall to Lakehurst Circle Road. Landscaping including an evergreen hedge and other greenery will enhance the natural scenery. The trail will be developed with proper protocols, signs and washroom facilities. The outdoor amphitheatre will be for day use only as there will be no lighting and will not employ amplification.

Many possibilities for use will exist. Progress is being made. A grand opening will happen as part of the grant requirements.

Kawartha Lakes Steward Association

The Kawartha Lakes Steward Association (KLSA) is supporting research related to lake health. Caroline Billotte, a Carleton University graduate student, is researching lake stewardship and shoreline care and is looking for lakefront property owners to complete a short survey.

An anonymous survey takes only 15 minutes. It is open to lakefront property owners. Participants can enter a draw to win one of five $100 gift cards. The survey link is carletonu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAUoVyLEUd7Vdqe.

Regarding lake stewardship and shoreline care, KLSA has re-naturalized 41 shoreline sites, covering over 5,374 square metres and planting more than 3,000 native shrubs, trees and flowers. Their projects are designed to fight erosion, attract wildlife and keep geese off your lawn.

You can be part of KLSA’s Shoreline Re-Naturalization Program. For a small contribution you’ll receive:


A personalized shoreline planting plan

Native plants and materials delivered to your property

A volunteer to help with planting

A healthier lakefront

Assessments take place in April and May. Planting happens in May and June.

© Peterborough Examiner