Park construction, leasing have begun

The grand opening of Beattys Ford Park located off of Unity Church Road is not scheduled until summer 2005, but behind the scenes work is underway.
Erma Deen Hoyle, director of Lincoln County Parks and Recreation, said work on the development and building designs is one of their priorities.
The lease information for the park is also being put together.
The project site plan has been submitted to various government agencies, such as water quality and erosion and control. The agencies have jurisdictions to various properties of the lake. The information was sent in May.
Hoyle said she expects to hear back in the next few weeks from the various agencies.
Once the project site plan is received from the government agencies, it can then be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil and electricity. It also regulates hydropower projects.
After this is approved, Hoyle said the county will sign the lease with Duke Power.
Then a request for a $250,000 grant to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund will be applied for in January. Hoyle said they will know by July 2005 if the grant will be awarded.
The county has already allocated $100,000 for the 2004-05 budget.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $500,000.

What the Park will offer…
The park will be 24 acres, including a boat ramp and parking.
There will be three phases to the park.
The first phase includes main items such as water and sewer infrastructure, restrooms, a picnic shelter, play equipment and disc golf. The phase will also include walking trails, volleyball and horseshoes.
The second phase consists of adding more shelters, Hoyle said.
The third phase involves a potential fishing pier and amphitheater.
Hoyle said there will be a meeting in August to go over some of the plans.
“As always anyone who is interested in helping as a volunteer or is willing to make a donation is always welcome,” Hoyle said. For more information call the Recreation Department at 704-735-2671 or the East Lincoln Community Center at 704-483-8980by Amy Wadsworth