Manila Creek Pond

Who knew there was a beach right next to the mountains?

We went to the beach today! The beach was at a park in Pleasant Grove called Manila Creek Park. This  park was built last year and features a black sand beach and fishing facilities.

The beach covers much of the south side of the pond and has gently sloping, pebbly black sand. The water is nice, but there is no natural shade as the park is only a year old. We took our pop-up shade pavilion as well as pails and shovels, water noodles, and beach towels. Next time we'll want a frisbee or a ball to throw. The sign for park rules says that no flotation devices or boats are allowed on the pond, but we saw both. Also, there is no lifeguard on duty, so stay close to little ones. Our kids splashed and played for nearly 2 hours.

Playing in the water!

The water was too cold for 6 week old babies.

The boys loved digging in the sand.

He learned a new trick--shooting water out of the pool noodle.

There is also fishing here, with a fish-cleaning station. Though we didn't fish, we saw others fishing, (not from the beach-- it's forbidden) and they had some success, though the fish were small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Also, make sure you have a current fishing license.

One drawback to this park is that there is no place to wash off the sand. There are restrooms, but no showers like you would see on a beach in California. That meant toweling off the sand as best you could. Luckily, the sand is not the fine Hawaiian sand that gets everywhere and travels with you on your next 3 vacations. It's fairly gritty and wipes away easily.

Working together on a sand castle.

This may be our favorite water adventure in the valley. The park is open from dawn to dusk and can be a little tricky to find if you're not familiar with the area. Take State Street into American Fork and head north on 1100 East (the road that passes American Fork Hospital). This road turns into 900 E after you pass the LDS Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Take your 1st right after the temple (1100 N). This changes to 3300 N. Follow past two blue silos and turn turn right onto 900 W. The parking lot is on your left. The official address is 900 W 3300 N Pleasant Grove.