By the Fourth of July work should be complete on upgrades at a popular swimming hole in Howard.  As Local 5’s Kris Schuller reports the village is improving the quarry, adding parking, beaches and paved trails.

It’s just before noon and swimmers like Izzy Gannon start to fill up the Duck Creek Quarry.  All eager to hang out on the newly installed beach.

“Obviously putting all the sand in makes it feels like a natural beach so I’m really liking the improvements,” Gannon said. 

The improvements being added here are many – street parking, paved trails and two separate swimming areas.

“Family swim area with buoys and sand going all the way down into the water for people to have a great time in,” said Director of Public Works for Howard, Geoff Farr.

An investment of $135,000 to give Howard’s taxpayers more recreational opportunities.

“It’s a natural facility and what more bang for your buck can you get as a local government,” Farr said.

Farr says the quarry, estimated to be 150-feet deep, has attracted swimmers for years. But the village board wanted to make some upgrades.

“They wanted to make some improvements that would add to the safety for users and expand the use,” said Farr.

And now people have been packing the beach, especially on weekends.

“It has been going really, really, well. We’re hearing a lot of positive feedback,” Farr said.

That is good news for nearby businesses.

“It’s been pretty busy, people coming in and out buying a lot of things. That quarry has been packed since it opened,” said Tony Quinn of Howard Central BP.

The village has hired interns to watch for potential issues – but Farr says they are not lifeguards.  This is swim at your own risk.

“People need to exercise caution and use it appropriately,” Farr said.

And people like Izzy say the quarry is worth a visit. She plans to come back often.

No motorized boats are allowed. Also, no alcohol or glass containers.