How to Enjoy July 4 at Elberta Beach and the Waterfront Park
A handy guide to letting loose in our public areas
With the Elberta Beach project underway, you may be wondering: Can my crew and I watch the fireworks and celebrate down at EBeach as we did in days of yore?
Well, maybe not quite as yore as you might like, but yes, the beach and park are open, there is a bit more established beach parking than before, and there’s plenty of fun and (hopefully) sun to be had.
But the beach is indeed still a construction site right now, and there are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your day to ensure everyone has a nice — and safe! — time. Here are some tips.
Where Can I Park?
Many no-trespassing signs are up at the grassy areas owned by Elberta Land Holding Company (ELHC), so it’s pretty clear where the public areas stop and the private areas begin. Some kind of law enforcement (probably a sheriff’s deputy) will be on patrol, so you’re best advised not to park or sit on that private property; vehicles may well be towed!
At the Waterfront Park on Betsie Bay, parking will be possible at the Elberta Life Saving Station lot and Waterfront Park lot (by the playscape), and along the north side of Furnace Avenue. Parking will be prevented in some areas (including all along Bye Street) to allow access for emergency vehicles. A free Benzie Bus shuttle will be operating between the Waterfront Park and Elberta Beach, so it’s a great idea to take advantage of that to save yourself some precipitous and trepidatious driving down the narrow and steep beach road, as well as parking struggles and potential fender benders!
At the Beach, the improvement project has created additional parking at the end of the stretch of newly developed gravel area known as Lakeside Boulevard. Perpendicular parking will be allowed only on the lake/beach side of that new lot (see diagram below). Parking will not be allowed in the new roundabout, along the stretch of residences, or the rest of the road that leads to the new lot. This is to ensure that emergency vehicles can get where they need to go if necessary. Our DPW will be monitoring parking there. Again: vehicles in no-parking zones may be towed.
All in all, parking at the beach should actually be easier and less bumpy, muddy, and rutty than in years past. You probably will not get stuck, and you probably will not end up facedown in a clay trench.
Where Can I Pee?
The plumbed bathrooms are coming, but they won’t be nigh by the Fourth of July.
Three, possibly five, porta-potties are on site in the north parking area, including at least one ADA one.
Accessibility
For those with mobility concerns: be warned that no walkways are in place at the beach (they’re coming later, too). So it’s strictly sand walking if you want to get from the parking areas to the beach or to the pier. Please stick to established pathways for your own safety and that of the plant and wildlife.
As in days of yore, the beach area will be mostly dark except for headlights and fireworks. This can pose a safety issue for pedestrians. Consider bringing a flashlight or headlamp for navigation from the beach to your vehicle after nightfall.
Can I Swim?
I don’t know, can you? You may swim, as usual, at your own risk: there is no lifeguard, and there’ll be just a few life rings on the pier while the project is underway. Please be careful on that pier and stay away from it if the water is rough. Keep a close check on children. Because of traffic and parking, it may take emergency vehicles a while to get to the site of any unfortunate incidents.
Can I Set Off Fireworks?
The beach and Waterfront Park are Village public property, and per the Village’s fireworks ordinance, that means no consumer fireworks (sparklers, roman candles, snakes, or firecrackers, let alone anything bigger) can be discharged there. Streets and sidewalks are also considered public property. Enjoy your combustibles on your own property or on a friend’s property with their permission. (Sky lanterns are not allowed anywhere.)
Glow sticks, kites, beach balls, LED badminton? Yes, yes, yes, YES! You can leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. It’s always an amazing show!
Check out these fireworks safety tips brought to us by Chief Cederholm at our June council meeting.
What About Camp Fires?
Fires and grills are not permitted on Elberta Beach.
I Wanna Bring My Dog
Elberta Beach is dog friendly! Especially if your dog is friendly! Please keep your pet on a leash and close by you during the fireworks. Your pooch may be chill during explosions, but other pets may behave unpredictably in stressful situations.
Need I mention that poops should be scooped? The poo bag stations in the north parking lot were removed because of the construction—and they may not return before the project is over (it all depends on DPW’s schedule, which is jam packed because of two massive infrastructure projects).
Please bring your own baggies, or risk bringing down the wrath of the goddess of cleaning up after your dog. (I hear she’s a real b-word.) And speaking of that …
Where Do I Put My Trash?
Please leave only footprints, and leave nonfootprints in the provided trash receptacles. It’s likely that trash cans will overflow at some point, so it’s a good idea to have a strategy for taking your trash and recyclables with you when you leave.
Other Fourth of July Fun
According to this website I found, a decorated bike contest starts at the Graceland Fruit parking lot at 9:30 am. The Frankfort Fourth of July Parade, themed “Going for the Gold,” starts at 10 am. Art in the Park goes from 10 am to 5 pm, the Sand Sculpture Contest goes from noon to 3 pm, and the Carnival lasts all day.
One of the highlights of the parade every year occurs off the beaten path, in front of a residence on Forest Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets, where Mark and Carol Carlin (of Elberta Mercantile fame) and their family hold the Rough Art Show every year. It’s totally delightful.
Have a great time on our nation’s favorite summer holiday! Happy birthday, America!