June 30th, 2012 dawned with brilliant sunshine, blue skies dotted by scoops of white clouds, and sparkling gems twinkling atop the waters of Crystal Lake…..a perfect backdrop for the Beulah Beach Waterfront Celebration. The event was kicked off by a special mid-morning dedication ceremony, attended by local & state officials, visitors, and local residents.
The Beach Reclamation Project for the new waterfront was funded by a sizable grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund/ DNR, and in part, by monies from the Village of Beulah. The handsome new waterscape boasts a beautiful board walk; seating pods for relaxation & viewing Crystal Lake; a plaza with tables & seating for picnics; a pedestrian bridge over Cold Creek’s outlet into the Lake connecting the boardwalk to the boat launch; a new bike path next to the wall of the beach promenade, as well as bike racks;; and many new trees and green plantings. One of the more serious aspects of the project was the development of a double filtration system that eliminates lake pollution by filtering storm waters & water runoff of debris before it reaches our lovely lake. Beulah’s beautiful sandy beach remains a great place to drop your beach towel, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake or read a beach novel under one of the shade trees that lines the waterfront.
Visitors lingered throughout the afternoon, enjoying our lovely little village, nestled along the eastern shore of magnificent Crystal Lake. Many folks took advantage of planned activities, featuring kayak, stand-up paddle board and tennis clinics; an enormous chess board with huge playing-pieces for a ‘large game’ of chess on the village green. Restaurants and delis offered many specials, for carry-out as a delicious picnic at the beach and park. For example, Jonathan Clark, owner of L’chayim Deli grilled fabulous brats with phenomenal toppings; samples of wonderful catering appetizers were prepared by Nelsl & Karen Nelson of East Short Market; and Cold Creek Inn offered appetizers outside their restaurant. Retail merchants showcased selected items – both in shop and on the sidewalk. The sounds of Uncle Ted’s Crawlers ensemble floated through the village, topping off a perfect day in Beulah.