It all began in 1963 with the vision of Jack and Tonny Ducker. When they bought the park it had only 7 hydro sites and 25 non hydro sites. Through hard work, a lot of sweat and a few tears, Jack and Tonny, formerly from Maastricht, Holland, along with their 4 children; Yvonne, Edith, Sue and Harry, cleared the land and trees, cut the trees to supply firewood for the campers, and built many, many picnic tables. All the while Jack still worked in a real estate business in Cambridge (Preston). Tonny and the kids would spend the spring, summer and fall working at the park, staying in their volkswagon van and a tent. Ken Townes (Edith’s boyfriend) came along in 1965 and added a welcome set of hands to the growing operation. Families could come to swim free of charge, or choose to camp for only $1.00 a night.

 As is the tradition still today, Jack and his family built everything themselves, washrooms with running water was first on their list, along with renovating the existing store and front gate. In time they added a home, along with an apartment for the newly married Ken & Edith. Also attached to this structure was a hall for the campers to use, below the hall was the garage, where the existing store and office is now. The original entrance to Hillside was directly off Spragues Rd. (Regional Road 75/HWY 24A). The entrance was eventually moved from HWY 24A to it’s existing location off of Brant Waterloo Rd.

In 1979 Harry met his future wife, a seasonal camper named June. Together with Jack, Tonny, Ken and Edith the 6 continued to improve and expand upon what the Ducker Family had started. Under their guidance, determination and years of dedication, Hillside Lake Park Family Campground came into existence.
When Jack and Tonny retired, the management of the Park was passed to the second generation of the family, Edith and her husband Ken and Harry and his wife June. Together they worked and watched Hillside continue to grow as did their own children and families.
Today at Hillside you'll find the second and third generations working together to manage and maintain the Park while raising the 4th generation. You will find our family all around at Hillside. You'll be helped at the office by Edie, waved to by June as she prunes the bushes or paddles by in her kayak, organized by Harry for beach volleyball, served ice cream by Heidi in the store, or visited by Ron & Hans during their nightly rounds. In whatever capacity the Hillside Family Management is asisting you, we are happy to have you as part of our community and welcome you to the park.

.