Picturing the Past ... with the Batavia Depot Museum

Batavia’s swimming facility is Quarry Beach, nestled adjacent to the scenic Fox River. 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.

The history of the beach began in 1842, when a limestone quarry was opened on the west end of town.

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, six ponds were formed that became known as the “old swimming holes” where residents would frequently cool off on hot summer days.

By 1920, the site was purchased and donated to Batavia Township, and it converted the ponds into one swimming area. Fast forward to 1969, when the property was transferred to the Batavia Park District’s jurisdiction.

Today, the quarry features a sandy beach, drop slide, kid’s flume, diving towers, lap swim area, inflatables, sand volleyball courts and a large picnic area.

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.