GUERNSEY – Esthetically it is attractive. Ecologically, it is sound. Economically it was a no-brainer.

People of the small town of Guernsey get behind projects. Especially community projects that will enhance the beauty of the area or create more activities for families and tourists passing through.

Coming across the Platte River bridge into Guernsey most people will notice that there is always a flurry of activity with tubes and kayaks and canoes being plopped down into the lazy flow of the Platte. This year as tourists and others passing through Guernsey go across the bridge they will notice a new beach that has created an easier launching spot for the hundreds that put in at that point of the river.

The beach was created from a very successful fundraiser that came out of a lot of talk, a few beers and good friends who gather regularly to tip a few after work and on weekends. The project continues to grow as a new retaining wall was added Sunday morning, June 7. 

“So far we have three tons of rocks,” landscape developer Brad Cook said. “So far, three tons, but the quarry said that we can have as much as we need for the project. And then we are going to line the bank with some of the rock that is in the river.”

The retaining wall will keep the dirt separated from the sandy beach and will aid in the elimination of erosion. The hard Basalt river rock not only looks good, but it is an ecological necessity Cook said. Also, the project as the building of the first phase of the beach was done with all volunteer help.

“We had probably 12 guys that helped load the rock out at the quarry,” Cook said. “Hard hats, yellow work vests, steel-toed boots and they checked us in and it was a pretty neat showing. A lot of high school kids from Guernsey-Sunrise showed up.

There were over 20 volunteers that worked in many ways, donating materials, such as Martin Marietta with the cooperation of Jessica Reece the office manager at the Guernsey Quarry and Jake Benson who is the quarry manager. The mortar was donated and hauled by volunteers, the labor force was all volunteer, Stacia Cook brought a cooler of water and within hours the work was completed. They say many hands make light work and with rock, it’s never light work, but the little labor force of Guernsey seemed to enjoy the day and felt good about their accomplishments.

Kellie Augustyn, city councilman who ramrodded the program and was heavily armed with his own shovel and work equipment was excited to see the project come to fruition and said that he couldn’t have been prouder of a community that in the wake of a lot of adversity came together to create something needed and worthwhile.