Shannon Beach — Attraction in Winchester

I honestly dont understand why this "beach" has such a high star rating. Dont get me wrong, it's a nice recreational place for the area but far from a beach and better ones not that far. It's just a small patch of land that has a bit of sand on the river/pond. It's very congested and overwhelming at times actually. Everyone is stepping all over everyone elses things because there's no room for many people, especially peak times. Whenever I come here, which is not very often anymore, I get an uncomfortable weird vibe and typically I am a happy go lucky, get along with everyone type person. I just feel out of place and like leaving my things around while I'm swimming will not be safe. The area is pretty clean though which is nice. There is plenty of space on the grass to hang out though. You can also grill here but signs say no charcoal, which as I write this a family is using charcoal and it's clear to see why they dont want it used. Most of the people/families nearby ended up moving or leaving altogether because the smoke from the charcoal is so intense and billowing so much and far. People are coughing like crazy too. I dont see any park rangers around either, except someone who looks like a lifeguard in the shack on the beach (another sign says "no lifeguard on duty" so I'm not positive what his role is). There is a giant playground for the kids that has plenty of activities to keep kiddos entertained. There is another large area of grass closer to the free parking lot where many people have large gatherings and parties. This place has potential but overall if you plan to swim, especially if you have small children who you need to watch closely, I'd suggest coming early to guarantee a spot on the sand. The water though itself is beautiful and very clean. More than I can say about many other similar places. Parking here is free but a hit or a miss because it's a smaller lot, so it fills up fast. Check it out for yourself, make your own assumptions but I've noticed more and more over the years I feel uncomfortable coming here. I feel like anyone from the girl next door, to a pedafile will come here. I think this will be the last time I come here for a while. My fiance agrees it has a weird...

Its a great location to come with the family. There are restrooms ( porta potties). There is a section of a beach that has sand and that is barricaded off about 25 feet out so little kids can swim safely. There are other sections out side of the roped off area that you can set up at and swim.

There are table that you can use and bbq if you would like. They are under the trees and are set in an open area off the beach. People set up hammocks and chairs and can play music. There are trash cans around and if you do bring food or drink please use them and be respectful of the grounds.

Before entering the beach there is a playground area with all standard playground slides , swings and climbing obstacles.

Its a fun place to come with the family or with friends. The only reason i did not 5 star was because there is no food or beverages here or near by for sale. So you must bring all food and drinks with you. There was an ice cream truck that came by but besides that there is...

It’s gone down hill last few yrs. We used to go there a lot when we 1st moved to Winchester 12yrs ago. It used to be a nice peaceful clean place to go. We went last weekend & as soon as we got down to the beach we saw the red no swimming signs on the life guard stands, several cones set up along the water w/signs that read no swimming then 2 separate life guards came over to tell us there was no swimming due to the danger from high levels of bacteria & chemicals. We had packed a picnic lunch so we decided to stay & just play in the sand with our nephew. The lifeguards gave up trying to keep people out of the water because nobody was listening, the water was full of kids. People had full size speakers blasting music was so loud we couldn’t hear each other talk. The sand was full of cigarettes & other trash. It...