Backyard Getaways: Escape to the Beach
Reporter Eric Nelson and Dustin Scholl are back with another round of Backyard Getaways. They begin by profiling some of the best beaches in the northwest metro. Find out what you didn’t know before about the beaches at Elm Creek Park Reserve and West Medicine Lake Park.
Elm Creek Park Reserve
In the land of sky blue waters, it’s always good to go to the beach. The beach at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove offers a beautiful beach hybrid. It’s a chlorinated and filtered swim pond.
“It’s a great gathering spot for families, said Sam Kiesow, a Facility Supervisor for Three Rivers Park District. “Come out and enjoy the sun.”
On a recent sun-drenched day that’s exactly what some moms and kids were doing.
“Easy access for the little ones,” said Katelyn Holloway of Maple Grove. She says this beach is one of their favorites. “We enjoy finding a spot under the umbrella.”
Elm Creek is top-notch. Sun-brellas offer relief from the heat. The beach is immaculate. The sand is groomed every night. The water is clean.
“There’s not all the icky stuff at the bottom of the water,” Holloway said. “The girls love it, so it’s great.”
Lifeguards are also on duty to monitor the weather and more.
“Life guards do monitor the beach for any hazards,” Kiesow said. “Or any debris or glass or hazards in the sand or water.”
Another plus for Elm Creek is the cost factor. It is affordable.
“That’s $5 per person for the day or else $18 per person for the season,” Kiesow said.
West Medicine Lake Park
The next cool spot on the trip was West Medicine Lake Park.
“It’s beautiful and the water is great,” said Lindsay Hyde of Champlin.
Located in the heart of Hennepin County, the park is a perfect escape from the nearby hustle and bustle.
“It’s really great,” Hyde said. “We’re kind of new to Minnesota and we were so surprised that when we moved to the land of winter there are so many great beaches around.”
Kids clearly enjoy the park which has a family-friendly vibe.
“It’s wonderful,” Hyde said. “They can play for hours with never getting bored. It’s fantastic.”
Come to the park and you can see a tilted tree, colorful purple wildflowers and water skiing on the lake.
