August 6, 2014 | Pottsboro, Texas

Today thirty or more members of the Greater Texoma Association of Realtors gathered for a massive cleanup effort of Island View Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Texoma. 

They hauled off old rusted out charcoal grills, tires, chunks of concrete and other debris.  Spreading out along the beach, the group picked up trash, broken glass, cans and rubbish. 

The beach is only accessible now by boat but there was a time when it was open to the public.  As they picked up debris, many of the old-timers reminisced about the times when the beach was open and a popular spot for family fun and beach parties.

Pottsboro native, Steve Cook, remembered when there were cabins and a bar where local bands would play on the weekends.  It seems that the Corp of Engineers had to shut the beach down to the public when they lacked the funds for the massive cleanup efforts it took to keep the beach clean and secure.

The Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce maintained the beach for about 10 years and I remember the volunteer efforts that were required to keep the beach in usable condition.  It just became too much and the responsibility was turned over to Grayson County.

That apparently only lasted for about a year and the beach was closed and has remained closed ever since.  A gate blocks the entrance.  The Corp of Engineers and Park Rangers simply do not have the funding to maintain the area and keep it secure.

The road leading from Hwy 289 to the beach is in need of repair, grass and weeds have taken over a lot of the beach area and the lack of maintenance has taken a toll.  Even so, it is still one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches on the lake.

As we sat under the trees, taking a water break, the conversation turned to how could this area be reclaimed and made available again.  A conversation is always where great things begin.  That maybe the best part of what happened today. 

What do you remember about Island View beach?