Traverse City Record-Eagle

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June 29, 2012

Dedication of beach, park on Saturday

BEULAH — The waterfront in Beulah has a new look.

An opening celebration for the revamped beach and park begins with a dedication ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m. with activities planned until 3 p.m.

"This has been more than a beautification project, it is doing a lot ecologically as well," said Bonnie Smith, event coordinator for the Beulah Booster group that spearheaded the effort.

The project is the culmination of five years of community planning and was co-sponsored by village officials and Beulah Boosters, Inc.

"It is amazing what a handful of people can do when they work together," Smith said.

A state Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $306,000 helped fund the village's Beach Reclamation Project. It's designed to provide a more accessible waterfront design, and includes a filtration system for runoff and storm water and will help prevent beachfront erosion.

"The water quality of our greatest asset, Crystal Lake, is being preserved," Smith said.

More visible changes in the three block stretch include a boardwalk with semi-circular seating pods, a plaza with tables and seating for picnics and a new bike path that runs adjacent to the beach promenade.

A pedestrian bridge crosses the Cold Creek Outlet at the lake's edge and connects the boardwalk to the boat launch.

"The changes don't ruin our small town village feel, it is very elegant in a quiet sort of way," Smith said.

Activities for Saturday's event feature kayaking, paddle board and tennis clinics and an enormous chess board with huge playing pieces located on village green. Live music will be offered at the park's pavilion throughout the afternoon. More information about the day's events is available at (231) 882-4037.

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