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The History
Crystal Lake is a one time sand and gravel pit dredged along
the banks of the Big Arkansas River beginning in the early 1950's. Named for
the clarity of the sand- filtered Equus Bed water table, it quickly became
locally renown as a popular swimming and fishing hole. Several generations
of Wichitans fondly remember the sandy beaches surrounding a clear lake teeming
with wildlife and waterfowl. By the mid 70s, Crystal Lake was over a mile
long when coves and channels were excavated and The Moorings was born. In
1978, C. Bill Bachman, a Wichita builder and developer since 1953, started
construction on a Florida-style neighborhood of quality homes on streets called
Bentbay, Timbercreek and Keywest. Today, over 300 Wichita families enjoy a
relaxing water-oriented lifestyle in a quiet country setting. And now The
Moorings north addition on Bayview Court includes the very site that was once
Crystal Lake Beach - now available as your private slice of paradise.
Location. Location. Location
Situated around a lake now covering approximately 125 acres with nearly
4 miles of shoreline. The Moorings on Crystal Lake is within the city
limits of Wichita but offers Valley Center Schools. Centrally located
adjacent to a metropolitan area that continually grows east and west,
residents enjoy quick highway commutes to almost anywhere in Wichita in
15 minutes. It's just 6 blocks north of I-235 exit #13 with access to
east Wichita via the Northeast Expressway, downtown by I-135 (canal route)
and west Wichita by either K-96 or I-235. All of this convenience but
none of the noise of traffic and congestion since the area is nestled
between two rivers that offer pleasant buffers only nature can provide.
The Lake
The sandy bottom waters of Crystal Lake offer an excellent
environment for water recreation. And because there are no direct tributaries
flowing into the lake, it maintains a clarity not typical of many Kansas
lakes whose water level and quality vary greatly depending upon runoff.
The entire west side bordering the Big Arkansas will not be developed
and therefore serves as a choice area for neighborhood picnics or leisurely
walks around the lake. Residents can swim, fish, sail, or pontoon boat
cruise along the miles of pier-lit shoreline and beaches. Sharing the
natural beauty of the area is an abundant population of wildlife; deer
feeding along the fields and rivers; geese making the seasonal pilgrimages
to favorable climates and waterfowl of all sorts establishing new homes;
beaver and raccoon foraging along the banks and thickets; even the occasional
red fox or coyote can be spotted on a stealthy adventure. Over the years
the lake has been stocked and offers excellent fishing for large-mouth
bass, crappie, catfish and other varieties of fish. The record large-mouth
bass is 9 Ib. 6 oz.!
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