Lakes Committee endorses beach plan

After hearing General Manager Tom Judson describe a new beach area on Lake Avalon, the Property Owners Association’s Joint Committee on Lakes endorsed his plan. The board was expected to make a final decision within days.

Judson said the beach was a very popular part of the rejuvenation plan that was written to help win an assessment increase last year. When the increase failed and several possible amenities were put on hold, he heard from many members who wanted the beach.

The plan he put forward includes a fee to use the beach, based on the fees for the outdoor pools. Between usage fees and rental fees for kayaks and paddle boards, he expects the beach will cover its own operating costs. It would be located on the west side of Lake Avalon where there is already a boat launch and a pavilion. The pavilion would be updated and the restrooms renovated as part of the project, he said.

The beach could open in the early summer of 2018.

Several events are planned for that area this summer, John Urquhart, told the committee. A Kid’s Fishing Derby on May 27, a kayak demonstration day and a kayak fishing derby on June 3, will all take place on Avalon. The open, fairly level shoreline, which makes the area suitable for a swim beach, also makes it ideal to stock fish and use kayaks. But, the lakes department staff is already looking at other areas that can be used in the future.

There is also a veterans fishing derby scheduled for Lake Norwood on June 4.

Work on the sea wall near the new Lakepoint Event Center is complete and Loch Lomond is slowly refilling, Urquhart said. Rain is needed to complete the process, he said.