LBJ sandbar gets a makeover
The restored sandbar located in Lake LB and its iconic miniature Lady Liberty. Courtesy photo of LBJ Sandbar Restoration Project.
A community-led restoration project has transformed the Lake LBJ sandbar from an overgrown island into a concert venue in just a matter of days after residents rallied to clean up the iconic site.
The effort began after a concert was announced for May 10, 2026, at the sandbar, which features a miniature Statue of Liberty. Following flooding in July 2025, the once-sandy beach had become overgrown with weeds and grass while muck, algae and wildlife nesting areas covered much of the island.
Former Granite Shoals mayor Kiel Arnone and the Granite Shoals Police Chief John Ortis initially went to the island to begin clearing the land manually, but limited supplies and a lack of volunteers made the effort difficult. Arnone later turned to social media to ask for help.
Granite Shoals resident Tyler Mireles responded, drawing on his experience organizing volunteer groups and local businesses during cleanup efforts following the July 4 flooding.
“I felt like I could organize something in the same way as the floods to clean up the sandbar and ask the community if they were willing to help,” Mireles told DailyTrib.
Within 24 hours, Mireles had assembled 10 to 15 volunteers and secured donations. The biggest challenges were transporting equipment and supplies to the island and obtaining permits from the Lower Colorado River Authority. Despite those obstacles, volunteers cleaned the site within a day, working around local wildlife, making it ready to host the concert.
“We teamed up and knocked it out. No differences, no political views, just the community getting together and working together,” Mireles said.
Volunteers have continued improving the island, and Mireles said ongoing community maintenance will be needed.
“It’s not about recognition, it’s about doing something good for the community and helping out,” Mireles said.
The Lake LBJ sandbar formed during flooding in 2008, when shifting sand created a beach-like area. A miniature Statue of Liberty was later installed, becoming a recognizable landmark on the lake.
“It’s a central place and an icon to Lake LBJ,” Mireles said.