Joint effort leads to new kayak launch site in Sanford

Jun. 15—Recreational kayakers now have two new places to put in along the Deep River in Sanford.

A new facility, the 15/501 Bridge Kayak Launch, located at 4906 Hawkins Ave., was officially dedicated Wednesday morning. The second access is at the U.S. 421 bridge at 9800 Boone Trail Road. The launches have been a collaborative effort between many entities including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Lee County, City of Sanford, N.C. Department of Transportation, Deep River State Trails and others. A small crowd gathered along the banks of the river, under a bridge that spans the Lee/Chatham County line off U.S. 15/501.

"These river accesses have been a long time coming for Lee County," Chad Spivey, who has helped spearhead the process, said. "We started that process about five years ago and through some awesome teamwork, and the help of state Rep. John Sauls, who is a major assets to our county, we're here. We're just grateful for all of the people who were involved."

With persistence, prayer and a great team, it all came together, according to Spivey.

"These are the first two accesses in Lee County," he said. "We haven't had any permanent accesses. The N.C. Wildlife guys did a phenomenal job building these."

Spivey explained how the access works to the crowd.

"You have a little slide that you can put your kayak on," he said. "It's super easy. You can one hand it down to the river. The guys that built this are from Bryson City and they specialize in steep bank accesses. They guaranteed that this access will not go anywhere and these slides and rails are designed to collapse under the weight of log and tree debris going down the river. In a worst-case scenario, we have a hurricane and logs and trees knock these down, we can have them back up in a month or so."

Joseph Keel, director of Lee County Parks and Recreation said the new accesses are part of a plan to improve the quality of life in Lee County.

"In 2021, we went out and did a comprehensive master plan," he said. "During that master plan, the needs assessment said we needed water access. Within a year of getting that needs assessment back, we were already doing MOUs (Memorandum Of Understanding) and working with the Department of Transportation. Again, like Chad said, it was a team effort. We heard what the residents of Lee County wanted. It's a very proud time to be here in Lee County. To be able to have these water accesses this quickly is just amazing."

Lee County contains more than 43 miles of riverfront, and Spivey added that it brings him and many others great joy to be outside.

"I think having a great river culture is just another asset to the county," he said. "We want to get outside with our friends and family and there's no better way to relax. You leave the office, leave your emails, your texts and meetings behind and you can just have a conversation. You could sit here for hours just enjoying the beautiful wildlife we have here in Lee County."

Spivey said he approached Sauls about state funding and Sauls got the ball rolling. Sauls then spoke about the project.

"I couldn't be more proud to work with him (Spivey) to bring this to fruition," Sauls said. "I've seen Sanford just transform into the most beautiful place. I bring legislators form other districts down to Lee County to take them on a tour — to Depot Park and all the renovations and good things going on in Sanford. People say to me, 'We hear Sanford is where it's really happening.' I say, 'You're exactly right -it is.' This is another example of it. This is because of all of you — not just Chad, not just me — our mayor and all of us."

Sauls also thanked House Speaker Tim Moore for his efforts to help fund projects.

"He came down to Sanford three times in one year and it shows his support for this project," Sauls said.

Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon said the access additions were important to Sanford and Lee County.

"Sanford and Lee County are extraordinary because of the amazing people who live here," she said. "You are the engine, the passion and the creators of the quality of life that we all have grown to love so deeply. This is a passion project and one that will endure for generations to come."

Salmon noted that the project would leave a legacy, and then said that 2023 was the "Year of the Trail" in North Carolina.

"We have learned to truly love our greenways and now our blueways," she said. "These two entrances are the start to what is going to be a phenomenal entrance system all throughout Lee County."

Salmon said that quality of life helps attract businesses to Sanford and Lee County.

"When we talk to companies that are looking to move here, they're going to ask us about the schools, they're going to ask us about our infrastructure and all kinds of other questions," she said. "But immediately, they're going to pivot to quality of life — because they want to be able to attract and retain a great workforce."

Mary Joan Pugh, Deep River Trails planning director spoke about the links between area counties along the river.

"The Deep River was the third state trail in 2007," she said. "It was 125 miles. It starts at High Point City Lake, goes through Randolph, Moore, Lee and goes all the way to Moncure where it joins the Haw River to form the Cape Fear. Until recently, it was the only trail on land and water. Most of the land trails have been in High Point and Randolph County. The water part has all been in Lee and Chatham counties. This is a wonderful state trail."