Wauconda throws one final beach bash

Wauconda residents and guests were treated to a block party on the beach Sunday when the Wauconda Park District held its annual end-of-summer event, the Final Beach Bash on Bangs Lake.

Visitors played on the sandy shoreline and swam out in the water at the little pocket beach off Main Street.

Sara Schuring, the park district's recreation supervisor, said about 75 people were expected at the event.

The park district had the grill fired up, as swimmers relaxed or splashed while a DJ provided the soundtrack.

"It's just something a little bit different than their normal day at the beach," Schuring said. "They can grab a brat and they can sit down, and their kids are entertained."

Even though the swimmers are patrolled by lifeguards, the water is no more than six feet deep at the far buoy line. Hemmed in by marinas, the beach, measuring about 250 feet long, afforded a view of boats skimming past on Bangs Lake.

Seated on a folding chair, a cap shading her face from the sun, Heather Brady of Round Lake was surrounded by all the paraphernalia required for a beach visit - including a big bucket and a big shovel in preparation for the sand castle building contest.

Brady, whose mom, Nancy Goetz, lives in Wauconda, arrived with children Kaitlyn, 7, and Erin, 10, She said she would not venture into the water, expressing an aversion to the minnows populating it.

Janet Hoffman sprawled in the water on a blown-up plastic alligator, while Matt Hoffman, her husband, floated nearby. On the sandy beach, sons Wes, 4, and Trevor, 7, built sand castles.

Janet Hoffman said the family lives nearby and bikes to the beach.

"It's pretty small. That's why we like it, because it's never overcrowded," she said.

And with the shallow water, it is safe for the children.

"It's perfect for them, because you don't really have to worry," she said.

She said the bash is a yearly ritual for her family and provides a chance to see neighbors.

"It's a nice little community beach," she said.