Waterfront Park - Another Great Venue on Saratoga Lake

What is it they say?  What goes around, comes around.  It's not unusual to see history repeat itself and sometimes the result of that happening is a wonderful thing.  Such is the case when it comes to the rebirth of a public beach and park at Saratoga Lake's northwest end......Waterfront Park.  We had a chance to check it out last week after our lunch at Lake Local and we've already been back two more times!
Beginning in 1940, the Ryall family owned and operated Ryall's Beach House on a parcel of land at the northwest end of Saratoga Lake.  A popular hangout in the 50's and beyond, this private bathhouse with a public beach was in operation for more than forty years.  From 1982 until 2005, the space was in use as the Waterfront Restaurant which operated seasonally.  In 2006, the city purchased the 4-acre parcel of land for two million dollars but up until recently, the land remained untouched. Then in September 2014, what had been a long-time dream finally materialized in a ground-breaking ceremony, and today Saratoga Lake once again has a public access waterfront park within Saratoga city limits.  I think you'll agree.....it was worth the wait!

 "Waterfront Park returns the land to the public".

Located on Crescent Avenue, Waterfront Park has something for everyone.  From the moment you enter, you are greeted by the stunning pergola surrounded by a perennial garden.  As you walk through the pergola, you are immediately met with the breathtaking view of the lake.  The park features three levels.....the lowest at the water's edge.

Visitors can either drive down to the lower, lake level, or walk down the impressive staircase......

At the lake level, visitors can picnic, launch a kayak, or just relax and enjoy the view.  There is no swimming allowed. Only water-loving pooches get to swim and that seems to be a popular activity for visitors and their canine companions.   The middle level features a small amphitheater for community events, and a gazebo on the lower level is the perfect spot for small group gatherings.

View looking towards the bridge...........

View looking towards the lake's south end....

 Whether you visit during the heat of the day, or first thing in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise, Waterfront Park is definitely a great spot to enjoy Saratoga Lake.

6:30 a.m. - Notice we were not the only people enjoying the view!

You'll find ample parking on every level.  The park is open from dawn till dusk.  If you haven't already, plan to check it out soon.  If you're coming a distance and want to make the trip worthwhile, consider dining at Lake Local, just down the road, or do what we did - order a pizza from 9 Miles East Farm.  In addition to producing produce, ready-to-heat meals and GO boxes of produce to subscribers, 9 Miles East Farm makes two varieties of pizza and a weekly special pizza and delivers to homes and businesses.  We had our pizza delivered to the park!

 Check them out using the link provided below!  Waterfront Park will definitely hold a special place in the history books for generations to come.

http://www.9mileseast.com/ 

 www.pizzadelivery.farm