Beach Bash gives students first chance to enjoy Liberty’s expanded Hydaway Lake

Liberty University’s Campus Recreation department kicked off the grand opening of the recent Hydaway Lake expansion with a Beach Bash event on Friday, providing students the opportunity to decompress after the first week of classes and explore everything Hydaway Outdoor Center has to offer.

Students enjoyed swimming, paddle boating, canoeing, beach volleyball, fishing, a giant waterslide, water jousting and log rolling competitions, and more on the Liberty Mountain property. The event also included free snow cones, with other summer treats available for purchase.

“One of the things we like to do here is give students the opportunity to do something they can’t normally do and always offer a place where they can have some time away,” said Assistant Director of Hydaway Josh Boyd. “We like to provide a space where they can enjoy time with each other and time in creation.”

Hydaway Lake has undergone a major expansion in the past few years, growing from 5.6 to 31 acres. After years of environmental studies, crews began clearing the land in Spring 2021 and construction began on a new dam. The new expanse was full by last spring, and Friday marked the first time the lake was open for student use.

The expansion features a newly constructed pedestrian bridge and an extended beach area and boat launches.

During the school year, the Hydaway Outdoor Center provides equipment for students to check out (bikes, canoes, kayaks, fishing equipment, and more). Students can also take advantage of the trails around the lake, part of the vast Liberty Mountain Trail System.

“It’s a huge blessing to be able to come out of our campus and be able to experience time with friends and fellowship,” freshman Aaron Schindel said, who was thankful for the opportunity to relax after move-in and the first week of classes. “It is great what God has given Liberty University the ability to do.”

Freshman Bryn Urban likewise said she appreciated having the lake so close to campus.

“This is really fun. (Hydaway Outdoor Center) kind of feels like a summer camp,” she said. “It feels like home in a way, like I’m back home in Pennsylvania.”

Hydaway Outdoor Center is a jewel in the crown of scenic recreational amenities on Liberty’s several thousand acres of mountain property, which also includes the Liberty University Equestrian Center, Liberty Mountain Gun Club, Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center, Astronomical Observatory, and Hydaway Outdoor Cetner Disc Golf Course.

Liberty’s Outdoor Recreation team also hosts a variety of events and trips to encourage students to explore the outdoors. Visit Liberty.edu/CampusRec for more information.

The Student Activities Office also provided another chance for students to take part in weekend festivities on Saturday with Block Party, one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. This year’s event was headlined by Christian rapper and songwriter Hulvey and featured food trucks, carnival rides, giveaways, local vendors, departments, and more.