Van Buren Park Beach — Attraction in Van Buren Charter Township

Taking a break from dropping friends off at the airport, we thought we would visit a local beach to relax for a minute. It was outrageously priced to get in. The attendant was unfriendly and provided us with a useless map. Somehow, we found the beach. Parking was inconveniently located at the top of a hill, requiring us to walk down rough and unsafe terrain. So, I chose to temporarily park closer to help my wife down to the beach with her sprained ankle. We were quite disappointed with the beach. It was not well maintained. Coming back up the hill, we found a dutiful law enforcement official eagerly writing us a ticket. As every other peace officer, he had the latitude to consider the context. Although it was clear that there were no other cars in the park and my wife was limping to the car, he took the opportunity to smugly exercise his position of power. He asked me to explain my reason for coming to the state of MI from Indiana. I was respectful. He smiled, handed me a ticket, and said that will be $130. This is the type of conduct that sours visitors, invites negative attitudes toward police, and causes folks like us to resolve to avoid ever considering Michigan as a future travel...

🌳🏞️ The park offers a mix of experiences. While the recent expansion and green buffer are positive steps, concerns about PFAS chemicals in the lake bring about safety considerations, possibly affecting beach accessibility. 🚫🏊 It's advisable to check whether the beach is open for swimming due to potential risks associated with PFAS.

🍔🌭 On the bright side, the park boasts a beautiful setting with grills, picnic tables, and pavilions that offer stunning views. The $5 entrance fee provides access to a spacious area with play zones and pavilions, catering to various activities and gatherings.

🏖️ It's recommended to verify the status of the beach, considering the potential PFAS concerns. However, if open, the beach, though not exceptional, is a rare feature in the vicinity. The size of the beach might lead to crowding issues, and the presence of boats near the sandbar on busy days can be a bit overwhelming. The beach's cleanliness is acceptable, but there's a drawback in the rocky and hilly path from the parking area that might pose challenges for those with strollers....

FYI - Beach is very small (has a 50-person limit) so you may not be allowed in if it's filled up on hot days. Also, the beach area is not totally flat - it slopes up into the side of a hill, so laying flat to catch some rays is pretty much out of the question if it's crowded. There was a mix of kids & people of all ages, so that was nice for people-watching. There's a sand bar not too far out in the water where people anchor their boats, play music & party, so it's possible to make new friends if you're so inclined. All in all though, it was just an okay experience for me. I prefer a larger beach where people can spread out. Also, the water smelled fishy & had a lot of natural debris floating in it (leaves, moss, seaweed) which I don't enjoy. IMO, the water at Belle Isle Beach & Metro Beach was much clearer & odor-free - you just have to step over the vegetation that washes up on the...