No boat? No problem. Geist Waterfront Park opens to the public Saturday for 'soft opening'
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After five years of construction, Fishers will open Geist Waterfront Park Saturday.
But don’t plan on getting wet. At least not yet,
Swimming won’t be allowed during the month-long "soft opening" period until May 27.
Visitors will be able to do everything else at the beach and park, however. The development includes a walking trail, playground, a kayak launch and, of course, all that sand, 24 million pounds to be exact, city spokeswoman Ashley Elrod said.
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The $27 million beach and nature park will be the only place for people to use Geist Reservoir without a boat, which requires launch fees, and will be free to all Fishers residents.
Waterfront Park is being built in three phases on 70 acres, with the beach and related structures the largest and first to be completed. The rest is scheduled to be completed by 2040. “Creekside” will include boardwalks over wetlands and a nature trail. “The Uplands” will be restored woodlands with picnic shelters and dirt nature trails.
About the beach at Geist Reservoir
The 100-yard-long beach was constructed in a cove next to a narrow channel of the reservoir that passes under the Olio Street bridge near 111th Street. Part of the beach will be for swimming and part for the launching of kayaks and paddleboards.
Behind the beach is a restroom, outdoor showers, a large playground and small concession areas. Plans to build a boardwalk and café with outdoor seating have been pushed to the second phase because of budget constraints.
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Geist Waterfront Park hours
From Saturday until May 22 the beach and park will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. everyday. After the official opening the park hours will be dawn to dusk and the beach will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The beach will be closed from May 22 until May 27 to prepare for the grand opening.
Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Geist Reservoir opens to the public, but no swimming allowed yet
