Wichita Lakeside Homes
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 known as a popular swimming and fishing hole. Generations of Wichitans fondly remember the sandy beaches surrounding the 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 350 Wichita families enjoy a relaxing water-oriented lifestyle in a quiet country setting. And now The Moorings 10th addition offers waterfront homes on Crystal Beach – now available as your private slice of paradise.
Crystal Lake
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 lb. 6 oz.!
Waterfront Living
The sandy-bottom waters of Crystal Lake offer an excellent environment for water recreation. 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, is natural reserve where residents can swim, fish, play beach volleyball on the sandy shoreline or picnic around a bonfire. Residents can swim, fish, sail, or pontoon boat cruise along the miles of pier-lit shoreline and beaches.
Lake Rules and HOA Covenants
The only power boats allowed at The Moorings are pontoon boats 25 feet or less with a maximum 50 horsepower motor. Small fishing boats with 5 HP or less are also allowed, as well as canoes, sailboats, kayaks, paddle boats and wind-surfers. There is an 8 mph speed limit on the main lake, but a strict “no-wake” limit is enforced within 50 feet of any residence and in all channels and coves.
All homes in The Moorings Additions are governed by their respective Home Owners’ Associations. The covenants and bylaws allow for a board and committees to create and enforce restrictions regarding any site improvements – including landscape, fencing, decks, docks and additions.
Schools, Taxes and Services
Convenient to the entire Wichita metro area within 15 minutes, yet situated around a lake now covering approximately 120 acres with nearly 4 miles of shoreline. The Moorings on Crystal Lake is within the city limits of Wichita but offers Valley Center Schools. Valley Center High, a progressive 5A program, consistently ranks among the top in academics and sports.
Community support has supported new and updated schools, a community center and library…and future plans for an indoor/outdoor pool located in Lion’s Park, yet taxes at The Moorings are generally lower than many developments because of Valley Center’s lower mill levy. The Moorings is within the city limits of Wichita and is therefore serviced by city utilities, fire, and police protection.
Lakefront lots and residences at The Moorings on Crystal Lake are offered through Bachman Realty, LLC. Kurt Bachman is the principal broker of Bachman Realty, LLC and President of Kurt Bachman Building Inc. Waterfront homes at The Moorings start in the $400-$750+ range and offer amenities not found in other neighborhoods. Residents swim, fish and boat from private backyard docks and sand beaches while full walkout lower levels allow for panoramic views and unparalleled lake access.
