CRYSTAL LAKE Local officials say its not a battle of the beaches, but some residents are drawing a line in the sand.

Some prefer Crystal Lake Park Districts Main Beach, while others are decamping for the city of Crystal Lakes newer Three Oaks Recreation Area. Both the park district and the city plan to enhance their facilities this summer, but leaders insist there wont be a recreational war fought with taxpayer dollars.

I dont see it as a competition, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said.

Neither facility is dependent on admission revenue, so there is little incentive to compete, he said.

He also dismissed the notion that the two governmental entities duplicate services.

Both Three Oaks and Main Beach add to the character of this community, Shepley said. And there are enough people here to support them.

Main Beach has been at the citys namesake lake since 1923.

For decades, it was the only beach in Crystal Lake.

But summertime crowds have decreased at Main Beach since the city of Crystal Lake opened Three Oaks Recreation Area for its first full summer season in 2011. The city spent $14.37 million to convert the former Vulcan Materials gravel pits into a park with a beach, marina, hiking trails and other features.

Both the city of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Park District are working to upgrade their facilities.

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Battle of the beaches?