New West Beach Bath House Ready for Summer

New bath house. New parking lot. New sidewalks...and the garden hose previously used for rinsing sand off patrons' feet, flip flops and toys is gone!

West Beach in Crystal Lake is officially ready for Summer 2013.

The former 31-year-old bath house at what's known as Crystal Lake's smaller beach, located at 2330 Lake Avenue in Lakewood, was razed last August.

What followed was a $1.7 million construction project by the Crystal Lake Park District to bring the beach and facility up to code - making it handicap accessible, according to park district spokesperson Jeeny Leech.

West Beach-goers this season will find:

• A ramped sidewalk for stroller and wheelchair access, making getting around the beach much easier.
• Outdoor seating
• Outdoor showers (in lieu of the garden hose)
• New indoor restrooms with showers
• A family changing room
• Beach office with First Aid station
• Large multi-purpose room with kitchenette available for rentals and park district programs.
• Large wrap-around outside deck with beautiful views of the beach from the West Beach building.
• Both West and 300 Lake Shore Dr., will have inflatable water play slides and water mattresses.

Both beaches open for the summer season this Saturday, May 25. West Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and is open weekends only while school is still in session.

More information about West and Main Beach, hours of operation, admission fees and more is available on the Crystal Lake Park District webpage.

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