Beach area renovation begins at Sibley State Park near New London

NEW LONDON - Improved accessibility is the goal as work gets underway to renovate the Lake Andrew beach area at Sibley State Park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced late last week.

The renovations are in conjunction with the park's 100th birthday.

While construction is underway, the swimming area, fishing pier, mooring docks, bathrooms and beach store will all be closed. Work started on Sept. 10 and is expected to be completed by spring 2019, when the park will celebrate its centennial.

The Cedar Hill picnic area and shelter will remain open during the construction period. Canoe and kayak rentals have ended for the season.

Foot traffic, ice upheaval and the removal of a couple of cottonwood trees at the shoreline all combined to damage the shoreline over time. The renovated area will be much more accessible, especially to those who use a cane or wheelchair.

Plans also call for repair to a retaining wall and stairs. Excavators, dump trucks, tractors and a team of construction workers are at the site to remove trees, clear the project area and partition off the construction area. The project is funded by the Legacy Amendment.

"These improvements will make a big difference to our visitors, and the timing could not be better," said Jack Nelson, park manager.

1/6: Carolyn Lange / Tribune A beach reconstruction project at Sibley State Park near New London is underway. The project will be completed next spring, in time for the park's 100th anniversary.

2/6: Carolyn Lange / Tribune A beach reconstruction project at Sibley State Park near New London is underway. The project will be completed next spring, in time for the park's 100th anniversary.

3/6: Tribune file photo by Tom Cherveny The popular swimming beach area at Sibley State Park is undergoing a major renovation to improve access. This file photo shows the beach on a busy, summer day.

4/6: Carolyn Lange / Tribune A beach reconstruction project at Sibley State Park near New London is underway. The project will be completed next spring, in time for the park's 100th anniversary.

5/6: Carolyn Lange / Tribune A beach reconstruction project at Sibley State Park near New London is underway. The project will be completed next spring, in time for the park's 100th anniversary.

6/6: Carolyn Lange / Tribune A beach reconstruction project at Sibley State Park near New London is underway. The project will be completed next spring, in time for the park's 100th anniversary.