Park Profile Crowbush Cove Provincial Park

Crowbush Cove Provincial Park, located in West St. Peters, was originally a privately-operated campground called Century Park. When the provincial government purchased the property in 1976, it was decided to ask the area's school children to rename the park.

Among the early Scottish settlers of the area were a brother and sister, Johnny and Minnie, who lived in the bush. Their last names were MacDonald, like so many others, but it was common in this area to add a second or descrip- tive name to many people to lessen the confusion. The MacDonald's habitation location, tattered general appearance and the abundance of crows observed over- head led people to refer to them as Johnny and Minnie MacDonald Crowbush. Eventually the general area was referred to as Crowbush and it was a natural choice for the school children as the new park name.

The park is approximately 85 acres in size with 60 camping sites, a day- use area and one of the finest beaches on the Island. It is situated in a quality environmental setting that includes beautiful sand dunes and a barrier pond that is used extensively by the Red Cross for its small-craft boating programs.

The park is perhaps best known for its beach. Located only two miles from Lakeside, this beautiful north shore beach is a popular spot for both tourists and Islanders. It has had lifeguard services sincethe late 1970's and the Red Cross have used the beach for swimming instruction since the site became a Provincial Park.

-12-