Place is an “at your own risk” adventure. There are no lifeguards. Hawkins and other volunteers at the park do their part to let visitors know how to participate in activities safely. You’ll see him by the rope swings or jumping platforms keeping an eye out and using a microphone to talk to those new to the park. “I make people aware that there is a danger. If you swing off a rope, you could get hurt. But the main reason people come here is that a kid can be a kid again without a bubble to protect them from everything,” he said. Hawkins owned a marina in Miami before settling in Branford. “My wife and I took a trip up here to go camping, and I camped out right next to the bridge on this property. We noticed a ‘for sale’ sign and ended up buying it,” Hawkins remembered. When the Department of Transportation put a highway through his marina, he moved up permanently. While the activities at Bob’s River Place are mostly geared for teenagers and young adults, the swimming hole is a “bring the whole family” kind of place. Hawkins estimated the appropriate age as 6 to 60. Bob’s River Place is open for three months in the summer and otherwise on weekends; the park sometimes closes due to flooding, so check the website — bobsriverplace.com —or call first. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and to barbecue using the provided grills and picnic tables. Public restrooms, changing rooms and showers are available.
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AUDRA
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Many try to hang onto the hammock and stay dry, but few succeed.
Though Hawkins has spent his own time and energy building Bob’s River Place and he keeps it open all summer, seven days a week, he’s not aiming to profit. By amusement park standards, the entrance and parking fees are extremely affordable. For Hawkins, it’s a labor of love and no more than that. He said, “I enjoy seeing people come here and have smiles on their faces. It’s a fun thing for me to do. I prefer to do this rather than anything else I can think about.” TM
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