Central Ave. Beach
in Beverly Shores has been re-opened to the public, the National Park
Service (NPS) announced.
The popular beach
at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore had been closed for nearly a year after
large storm waves removed almost all of its sand. The waves also left a
dangerous eight-foot drop-off from the access path down to a mix of clay and
asphalt chunks, the remnants of an old road bed.
“Over the last
couple of months, the beach sand has been slowly replenished through natural
deposition from the lake,” NPS said. “In addition, National Lakeshore staff
removed the old road debris and created a walkable path to the beach.”
“When visiting
Central Ave. Beach, the public is urged to remain on the beach area and not
climb up the dune slopes directly behind the beach,” NPS added. “These
slopes have been severely eroded, leaving them very dangerous to climb.
Trees and other objects can be dislodged by climbing on the dunes and can
cause those objects to fall on the climber. Visitors should always remain on
designated trails for their safety and to protect the fragile dune habitat.”
NPS did remind
folks that Central Ave. Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. The only
guarded beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is West Beach. Visitors
should learn how to enjoy Lake Michigan safely and always check the National
Weather Service forecast for dangerous lake conditions.