Crescent Beach receives national recognition

For the Star-News

ALGOMA – Algoma’s Crescent Beach Boardwalk recently received a nod from the Rails To Trails Conservancy, a nation-wide nonprofit that focuses on championing public spaces that create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.

Crescent Beach Boardwalk was featured in “Best of: Summer Boardwalks and Pathways” among more traditional and well known boardwalks like Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Navy Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk.

The smallest community to be featured, Crescent Beach Boardwalk is highlighted for being “steps from both a sandy beach and downtown” and having excellent views of Lake Michigan.

Founded in 1986, the Rails to Trails Conservancy began in response to legislation that allowed railroad corridors to be preserved in public domain.

The conservancy tracks and supports through advocacy and research over 25,000 miles of trails across the United States.

The half-mile Crescent Beach Boardwalk was built in 1995 through citizen action and collaboration.

Lasting over two years, the construction of the recycled plastic plank boardwalk was a community project in which hundreds of hands helped as the pillars were laid, decking frames built and landscaping installed.

Today, the Crescent Beach Boardwalk is a signature of Algoma and hosts the annual Soar on the Shore Kite Festival.