Visit the “Beach” in Broken Arrow

The Nienhuis Aquatic Facility hosts Sand Dazzle on Saturday, August 15.

As summer reaches its zenith, families have all but exhausted their bag of tricks to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, the City of Broken Arrow Parks and Recreation Department is bringing a bit of the beach to Broken Arrow. On Saturday, August 15, all are invited to Sand Dazzle.

For landlocked Oklahomans, the beach represents escape from the daily grind. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the surf or a whiff of the salty air are rewarded with rejuvenation and a sense of calm. But the reality of the beach is sometimes less fantastic. The logistics of breaking away to the Gulf of Mexico, let alone the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, is a nonstarter for many. Further, the threat of inclement weather or sharks is enough to undermine an outing. Traffic is an omnipresent problem as well, introducing chaos to an experience that should be anything but stressful. Fortunately, the City of Broken Arrow Parks and Recreation Department has found a way to recreate some of the beach experience, sans sharks.

The Sand Dazzle free event for all ages has all the ingredients of a relaxing day by the pool. For starters, four truckloads of sand are imported. The sand, mixed with the optimal amount of moisture, is perfect for building sand castles. Whether your objective is to construct a grandiose dream castle, a replica of the pyramids at Giza or a representation of your summer spirit animal, the opportunity to play in the sand is a rare treat. Plus, kids can hunt for seashells in the sand. Collected shells can be traded in for prizes – or keep them for display at home.

This year welcomes a key improvement to Sand Dazzle: the City of Broken Arrow is adding more shade to the beach to help attendees beat the heat. With music wafting in the breeze and a full service concession stand nearby, the event is a way to get in the last word in the annual battle against the Oklahoma summer.
The Nienhuis Aquatic Center is located in Broken Arrow at 3201 North 9th St. (at 55th Street and Lynn Lane). Featuring an Aqua Play system, a wading pool, two large slides and two drop slides, the water park is well-suited for families and children of all ages. Sand Dazzle runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 15.