By Rachel Stevenson

Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxation. Between terror attacks, debates over plagiarized speeches, and arguments with friends over which politician to trust more, many of us are still waiting for summer to begin.

Needless to say, this summer hasn’t been as uplifting and relaxing as one might have hoped. Good news – summer’s not over!

In an effort to bring summer back, I hosted my birthday celebration at Marsh Creek State Park last Saturday with a group of my closest friends.

If you haven’t had a chance to venture out to Downingtown’s Marsh Creek, please do. A short drive from Exton on Pottstown Pike headed West, and a left on Park Road, Marsh Creek is in the rolling hills of north central Chester County.

The 1,727-acre park contains the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, an ideal spot for fishing, sailing and migrating waterfowl.

And the grand entrance will take your breath away!

While you cannot see the park from Pottstown Pike, the large lake magically appears off of Park Road. Lush green landscaping and rolling hills surround the glistening waters.

We set up our picnic in a shady area just inside the park entrance where three picnic tables and a bench nestled into a cozy spot of land that jutted into the water. Cattails and tall grass surrounded our nest and large trees provided much needed shade for one of the hottest days of the year.

Just a few yards away, families splashed their feet in the open lake, paddle boarders floated past, and kayakers fished on the open water.

Dozens of kids and teenagers flocked to the snack bar, which offered ice cream, chips and sandwiches.

Further up the hill, we noticed a large swimming pool and pavilion – another perfect party location. The cost to enter the pool for the day – a mere $7 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. And the pavi

lion is rentable by the hour.

Our group enjoyed tossing Frisbee, playing corn hole, and basking in the sun by the water. Although our group remained on land, there were plenty of boats, kayaks, and paddleboards available for rent. Season passes are available on the Marsh Creek Website.

Various classes are also available throughout the summer, including paddle fit, sail lessons, and windsurfing lessons. In addition, Marsh Creek offers pontoon tours and night tours. And in winter months, you can hike, ice skate, ice fish, and cross-country ski.

So, when the Democrat and Republican National Conventions are over, get out of the house and enjoy summer. It’ll be gone before you know it!