Saxony Beach closes due to poor water quality

Blame it on the Canada geese.

Saxony Beach and Lake in Fishers will be closed this weekend due to water quality concerns, Autumn Gasior, the town’s spokeswoman, said.

A water quality test revealed unsafe levels of bacteria — a form of E. coli — likely caused by goose droppings in and around the lake, Gasior said.

More than 800 people swim, fish and enjoy water sports at the lake every week during the peak of the summer season. A lull in visitors this week, however, made the lake a gathering place for the geese and other wildlife.

“They just had a run of the place,” Gasior said, adding that geese migrated to the beach after Saxony switched to a weekend only schedule.

The lake is expected to reopen Aug. 23 after a series of water quality tests, Gasior said.

Earlier this year, the town agreed to take over the 300-foot beach on the 20-acre Saxony Lake, but not without an objection from council member Michael Colby, who warned about waterfowl taking over the small lake.

Fishers Town Manager Scott Fadness said beachgoers should not be alarmed by the closure of the lake, especially because Canada geese migrate to the area every year.

“We will continue to test the water until this naturally goes away,” Fadness said.

This is not the first time the beach has closed. In 2012, the lake closed for reportedly low water levels. Swimming also was temporarily suspended last year for water quality testing.

Water at the lake is tested every Friday, Gasior said, adding that the water is chemical free.

Dozens of children entered the water last weekend for the Fishers Kids Triathlon, so the closure left some parents surprised.

“I didn’t have any concerns while my son was swimming,” Mindy Irish, Fishers, said. “It always looks attended to.”

Call Star reporter Cara Anthony at (317) 444-6049. Follow her on Twitter: @CaraRAnthony.