By Harold Merton

Occasionally one likes to get away in the RV to a quiet place so they can relax and unwind a bit. Sometimes it is difficult to do this because many campgrounds are in areas where there are lots of tourist and recreational attractions. Before you know it, another member of the family has persuaded you to head out to an attraction in the area and while you enjoy it you lose the peace and quiet that you headed for in the first place.
Many years ago we had advertisements for a golf course and campground that had just been constructed in the St. Marys, Ontario area, which is about a half hour drive east from the city of London. The facility changed hands and we lost touch with them simply because we were busy going other places. My wife belongs to a ladies sorority group and the social director Clair Heegsma and her husband John had decided to have a cookout at their seasonal campground site near St. Marys at Science Hill Country Club one summer weekend as the windup to a mystery car tour. It was suggested that those of us who camped might like to come out for the weekend and enjoy the peace and quiet and perhaps take in a game of golf. Pat and Ron Brown of London, who we camp with occasionally, and ourselves decided to head out to Science Hill for the weekend to camp with the Heegsmas. What we discovered when we got there was a truly peaceful campground, close to our home. The idea also existed that the couples could enjoy a few
holes of golf on the Sunday morning after the sorority function on Saturday.

We were very pleased that we did act on this opportunity because we can now see why the Heegsmas love this seasonal park. Science Hill is a very peaceful place. Young families are not drawn to this facility because golf is not something they usually involve the entire family in. There are no special facilities for the younger set and the park owners do not promote their park for families with youngsters. Owner Jim McCann told Scope that it is not a case that children are not welcome it is just that they have little in the way of recreation for them and young families are not attracted to their facility. Jim was the golf pro at the Ingersoll golf course for eighteen years when he and his wife Nan decided to purchase Science Hill from the original developer. That was a great many years ago and in the time that has passed the McCanns have improved the golf course and campground considerably.

Photos by Harold Merton

The beautiful 18 hole course which is OGA rated and considered semi private, draws golfers from a wide local area. It is a 5931 yard par 70 course with a CPGA Professional, a putting green and practice area. There is a comfortable licensed lounge and patio and a licensed tournament facility for 240 people.

The fairways are watered frequently and as you can see by the aerial photo that accompanies this story the course is beautifully green and well maintained. The family owned and operated course is located three miles north of St. Marys which is "Home of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame". It is just 10 miles south of Stratford and 30 minutes east of London. The campground sits in a corner of the property (shown in the foreground of the aerial photo) and has a total of 83 sites all with 30 amp electric service, water and sewer. Some sites are occupied by seasonal campers but there is plenty of room in the grassy area in the centre of the campground that is well shaded by large mature trees. Some RV clubs like to gather here because of its semi-private atmosphere. Science Hill is open from May st to October 15th each year and lots are approximately 25' by 55' each. A small washroom building has toilets, sinks and showers and there is a laundry. Besides the washroom building is a covered swimming pool that looked inviting when we were there. The ends are open so you get the best of both indoors and outdoors at the pool.

Campsites with full hookups were $25 per night or $150 a week, when we visited last June - very reasonable in today's camping circles. At the golf course you can rent power carts and green fees were $20 Monday to Friday for 9 holes or $30 for 18. Weekend rates are $24 for 9 and $35 for 18 holes. Special discount packages are available for 10 games or 10 cart rentals. We had the opportunity to cover the course with the other two couples who were playing a game. They reported that it was a delightful course to play. I was struck by the quality of maintenance on the greens and fairways. I h
ave not seen any better. Single seasonal golf membership rates in 2005 were $800 or $1,400 for a couple. Discounts are offered for those who play weekdays only. A pleasant breeze blew over the hill where we were camped and we found it to be very peaceful and relaxing. I am sure we will return again when the opportunity arises.

Science Hill Country Club
RR # 1
St. Marys ON N4X 1C4
519.284.3621
Fax 519.284.3371

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