Crescent Beach State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crescent Beach State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Crescent Beach State Park
Location in Maine
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| Location | Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Maine, United States |
| Area | 242 acres (98 ha) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Established | 1966 |
| Operator | Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry |
| Website | Crescent Beach State Park |
Crescent Beach State Park is a fun public park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA. It's right on the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for its beautiful, mile-long beach. This beach is shaped like a crescent moon, which is how it got its name!
You can do lots of cool things at Crescent Beach State Park. People love to go swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach. You can also try fishing, or explore the water in a sea kayak. If you like land adventures, there are trails for hiking. In the winter, these trails are great for cross-country skiing. The park was officially opened in 1966.
What is the geology of Crescent Beach?
The park has a special kind of beach called a "pocket beach." It's about 1.4 kilometers (almost a mile) long. These types of beaches are often found between rocky headlands.
The sand on this beach can change over time. Strong winds and ocean waves can cause the sand to move around. This natural process is called erosion. It means the beach might look a little different from year to year. A smaller beach nearby, called Kettle Beach, also experiences these changes.
How is Crescent Beach State Park managed?
Crescent Beach State Park is managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This means it's a public park for everyone to enjoy.
For a long time, the state of Maine rented the land for the park from a private company. This started in 1961. At first, the state paid only a very small amount each year. Over time, the cost of renting the land increased. In 2013, the state extended its lease for five more years.
The state has often wanted to buy the land for the park. This would make sure it stays a public park forever. Crescent Beach State Park is one of the most popular parks in Maine. It brings in a lot of visitors and money for the state.
Some groups, like the Maine State Employees Association, have spoken up to make sure the park remains public. They believe it's important for parks like Crescent Beach to be open for everyone.
