The Ramsey Creek Park beach will be the only public beach in Mecklenburg County, as well as the only county property from which swimmers will be allowed to enter Lake Norman waters. (Liz Spangler/Herald Weekly)
Source: http://www.huntersvilleherald.com/news/2015/3/19/11994/planning-under-way-for-public-beach
CORNELIUS – Town commissioners have been advised to break out the swim trunks and Speedos as plans for a beach at Ramsey Creek Park move closer to being realized.
Jim Garges, Mecklenburg County parks and recreation director, updated commissioners March 16 on the beach project.
The Ramsey Creek Park beach will be the only public beach in the county.
It will also be the only county property from which swimmers will be allowed to enter Lake Norman waters.
County officials banned swimmers from entering lake waters from county property in the 1970s, following the tragic drowning of several young boys.
“I believed access to swimming for the public was important and worked to have the ban lifted [for the Ramsey Creek Park project],” Garges said. “This was also supported by many members of the Cornelius community and elected officials. The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce was also an early supporter.”
Garges told the commissioners all permitting for the beach project has been completed, with plans to put the project out to bid soon.
Once construction begins, Garges said it will take about eight months to complete.
The cost is estimated between $400,000 and $600,000.
Plans have come a long way since the idea of the beach was first raised eight years ago.
Ramsey Creek Park, located at 18441 Nantz Road, is a 43-acre waterfront park that features a dog park, walking trails, picnic shelters, docks, fishing pier, boat ramp, playground and pits for volleyball and horseshoes.
Garges said the beach area will measure about a half-acre and wrap around the westernmost point of the park. The half-moon-shaped swim area just off the beach will vary between 4 and 6 feet deep. Buoys, lifeguards and sidewalks built in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will help ensure safety. Bathrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing, shade trees and shrubs will help ensure comfort. Parking lots will accommodate about 127 vehicles, with boat trailer parking and boat launches nearby. A path running from the beach to the fishing pier is being considered.
The beach will be open from dawn to dusk daily between late spring and early fall.
Garges said it has yet to be determined whether to charge an entry fee.
Even if entry fees were nominal, he said, it could prove problematic for staff to collect the fees and enforce any rules on entering the park that might be put in place.
“It may not be worth all the effort to charge a fee,” he said.
Garges told commissioners a good plan is in motion.
“In the end, it’s going to be a project everyone is going to be proud of and a fun addition to the park system,” he said. “So, bring your bathing suit.”
