According to the Lansing State Journal, plans for a sandy beach in downtown Lansing, along the Grand River's banks, are starting to take shape.

Crews have installed sand in an area in front of the former City Market, 325 City Market Drive, west of North Cedar Street.

The beach is part of a $1.8 million project called Rotary Park that's expected to open for free public use by the end of this month.

Sand installed in the beach won't touch the river and will be surrounded by a seawall so people can't enter the river. Plans for the beach have been approved by the state Department of Environmental Quality.

Lounge chairs and umbrellas will be available in the beach area once it opens. The park will also feature a plaza, sculpture patio, outdoor gas fireplace and solar powered lighted forest that can change colors.

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