The city is in the running for a national award honoring work done to breath life back into North Beach. Here's a press release announcing the project is one of 15 finalists for the recognition:
The City of Racine is a finalist for the 2010 U.S. Conference of Mayors/Waste Management City Livability Award.
The purpose of the award is to improve the quality of life in their cities. The North Beach Restoration project is one of 15 finalists out of 200 applications.
North Beach has become a focal point for Racine and Southeastern, WI. Average weekday bather density at North Beach has increased from 126 in 2005 to 641 in 2008 with weekend beach visits exceeding 5,000 per day.
Other than providing a direct outlet for recreational water sports and sunbathers, the restoration of North Beach has also resulted in the attraction of venues such as the EVP Pro-Beach Volleyball Tour, the Spirit of Racine Triathlon which this summer becomes the Ironman 70.3 Racine Triathlon, and the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display which attracts upwards of 30,000 individuals
The players from the EVP association have voted Racine the Host City of the Year four consecutive years. This year the World Series of Water Cross Jet Ski races will be added to that venue in June.
The North Beach Oasis has become a well-known spot for musical entertainment on some weeknights and on weekends in the summer. The beach is also host to several “end of year” celebration events for local schools as well as being a living class room during the academic year.
In 2010 North Beach will become fully handicapped accessible, directly to the water’s edge, to allow mobility challenged individuals to fully participate in the beach experience.
Winners of the award will be announced by May 22.
