Park District Dish: Batavia is swimming in history

I am relatively new to the Batavia community, having started work at the Batavia Park District a year and a half ago. My first impression of Batavia was that of a warm and welcoming community, a place where family comes first and enjoying life is high on the list of values. It quickly became evident that Batavia also is steeped in history, especially when it comes to the ever-evolving landscape of the Fox River.

It was a wonderful surprise to see the park district matched the community in the variety of amenities offered, with one of the crown jewels being Hall Quarry Beach.

At first glance, one might not notice this unique facility, nestled adjacent to the scenic Fox River. While most are accustomed to the typical clear-bottom pool, Hall Quarry Beach is truly a unique aquatic facility because it is a natural body of water. Complete with a sandy beach, zero depth entry, diving towers and concrete islands, what is lovingly referred to as “The Quarry” is so much more than it seems.

Curious how The Quarry came to be, I set out to learn more. The story began over 150 years ago in 1842, when a limestone quarry was opened on the west end of town and Batavia received the name “Rock City.” By 1860, nine quarries were in operation, and one of these quarries sat on an acre of property along the Fox River. More than 150 men mined limestone from the quarry until it was so deep and wide that water began permeating onto the floor of the site. Soon enough, six ponds were formed. According to Carla Hill, director of the Batavia Depot Museum, “The ponds became known as ‘old swimming holes’ and boys particularly would have fun in the summer, swimming in the ponds.”

By 1920, the quarry was purchased, quite appropriately, by a man named Frederick Beach. Beach donated the quarry to Batavia Township, and they converted the six ponds into one swimming area. This area was named the Frederick H. Beach Park and Pool. Fast forward to 1969, when the Batavia Park District formed and then the property was transferred to the district’s jurisdiction.

In 1992, the quarry received a much-needed face lift. “The facility was demolished; a sand bottom was added; and several buildings, including the guard house and bath houses, were built,” said capital projects and contractual services manager Jim Eby. On opening day in June 1993, the facility was dedicated and renamed Harold Hall Quarry Beach in honor of park board Commissioner Harold Hall. Thus, The Quarry was born.

Over the next several years and up until 2012, The Quarry underwent a series of renovations, particularly on the maintenance of The Quarry water levels and temperature concerns. Luckily, due to the repairs and a brand new liner, The Quarry no longer leaks, and temperatures average 80 degrees on a summer day.

Today, The Quarry features a sandy beach, zero-depth entry, drop slide, kid’s flume, diving towers, lap swim area, inflatables, sand volleyball courts, concession stand and a large picnic area. The Quarry is also host to private party rentals and several special events, like Tween Nights. Ask almost any Batavia resident and they are quick to share fond memories of this unique facility and agree that it truly is a gem in the community.

Katie Drum is the marketing and sponsorship coordinator for the Batavia Park District. The Park District Dish column runs the second Thursday of the month in the Kane County Chronicle. Feedback on this column can be sent to editorial@kcchronicle.com.