Regulars of the Morden campground are eagerly waiting for the grounds to open officially.

Seasonal campers and those who book for a month or longer have already been able to confirm their spots, and starting May 1, at 8:30 am. the campground will begin taking reservations for the occasional camper.

Clare Agnew, Community Services & Events Manager, says once May hits they'll begin prep work for their May long weekend opening.

"A lot of it is just getting the fire pits, picnic tables, the sites cleaned up, garbage and that sort of stuff, that have happened over the Winter. Opening the office and restocking it, and hoping we can turn the water on in time, but we need to make sure the ground isn't frozen to do that."

It's common maintenance this time of year, says Agnew, but other preparations will be made throughout the summer for their numerous events including Paddlefest, The Color Run, Triathlon, swimming lessons, and July 1 activities, among others.

The campground will be recommencing their firewood initiative, to aid in slowing the spread of the emerald ash borer. Agnew says they are reducing the price and increasing the quantity to encourage campers to use the local wood supply instead of bringing in their own.

A notable change to the grounds this year will be an onsite Campground Host.

"I'm hoping he'll be able to gather information and talk with campers and the people using the water and see what other ideas they have and what they'd like us to add. There's the lake system, the campground, and then the trail system; it's a diverse area," says Agnew.

The Campground Host will also assist in checking boats and boating licenses. Agnew says although they don't have an official boat wash station they will be looking over boats and encouraging boaters to clean their vessels to avoid potential contamination of Morden's water source with invasive species.

There are some changes yet to be announced this year for the campground which Agnew is excited for, and says she's looking forward to this camping season.