GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (NBC 26) -- While many families are working on a game plan to deal with the heat this weekend, scores of Outagamie county employees are working on the beach at Plamann Lake in Grand Chute, getting ready for the crowds.
"We've been working on the inflatables, there are some other seasonal park workers raking weeds and getting the concessions stand organized and ready," says Carrie Olsen a seasonal Outagamie County Parks employee.
This weekend, for the first time in over a year, Plamann Lake is opening back up to the public. On Friday, crews are making sure all of the park's inflatables can get out onto the lake before guests arrive. But unfortunately, because the water is so low, they're going to be off-limits for a couple of weeks. More than likely though, that won't keep folks away from the waterfront during the heatwave.
"Normally, it's beach packed and low parking. So, if you're going to come, get here early. We open at 11," explains Outagamie County Parks Manager Kristine Butteris.
Because the inflatables are not accessible to the public, Butteris has reduced admission to the lake to 3 dollars for adults and two dollars for kids for the time being. A small price to pay to hang out at a sand beach, with trees for shade and cool water for comfort.
"(The water) is about 14 feet deep, so the water is not too cold, but it's cold enough to be refreshing," adds Butteris.
So as the temperature rises this weekend and you start contemplating alternatives to escape the heat, keep this little gem on your radar for an escape from the hot temperatures.
"There is definitely a lot of people out here, but it never gets crowded where you feel like your shoulder to shoulder with someone," adds Olsen.
