Gaston County to operate beachfront park
A new beachfront park is coming to Gaston County.
A lease agreement was approved by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners last week for the county to operate the 68-acre Southpoint Access Recreation Area.
The area contains two boat ramps that are managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, two large fishing piers, a swimming beach, picnic pads, public parking and more.
ALSO READ: There’s a new top attraction in NC as state parks attendance overall falls 14%
Duke Energy will also build a canoe and kayak launch area, according to officials. Gaston County will pay for a portion once the project is completed. There will be extra space for the development of future amenities.
Duke Energy invested $7 million into developing Southpoint Access Area and approached Gaston County late last year about the County Parks & Recreation staff running the site.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for the County,” Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Hart said. “This provides us an extra park in a very busy and growing part of the county where land is difficult to come by right now.”
An initial fee schedule for the area was also approved. The fees will cover the upkeep and overall operation of the park.
(WATCH BELOW: Several police agencies, community members to celebrate National Night Out)
