CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Plans to open Mecklenburg County's first public beach on Lake Norman by this summer have dried up for now.

Some county leaders said that because of budget cuts, now isn't the time to add swimming areas in Mecklenburg County, and it could be next year before it happens.

John Barker comes to Jetton Park at Lake Norman to fish and unwind, but he said that he wishes, like many other visitors, that he could also swim in the lake.

“This is a beautiful, clean lake. So, you know, this is a public park, so why can't the public use it?” Barker asked.

County leaders have asked the same question, but they are also asking how much would it cost for lifeguards or restrooms? And which places in Mecklenburg County would be open for swimming?

Even with recent budget cuts on the county level, Park and Recreation Director Jim Garges hopes to eventually offer public swimming in Mecklenburg County.

“Access to the lake is something that is very important, and there certainly is a large interest in trying to do it,” he said.

Making it happen would likely take more than year because the proper permits must be obtained.

But those like Barker said that even with tough economic times, more people are staying close to home, and that's even more reason to open the parks to swimming.

“What's it going to cost to have a couple life guards here? It can't cost you too much,” he said.

Park and Recreation leaders said it’s too early to know the costs right now. They hope to give a full plan to county leaders in the summer.