RAMSEY CREEK PARK, N.C. — Ramsey Creek Park Beach, Mecklenburg County’s only public beach, opened Saturday with very few disturbances.
Compared with opening weekend last year, which happened over Memorial Day weekend, the beach remained relatively calm.
[ [IMAGES: Opening day at Ramsey Creek Park Beach] ]
There weren’t any lines, the parking lot didn’t fill up, and surrounding neighborhoods are not being used as an option to park and camp out.
Ramsey Creek Park Beach served its purpose, providing people a place to cool off on a hot day.
"What better way than to spend it at the beach,?” Jessica Ordonez said.
Last year, as drivers fought to find parking spots last year, mailboxes were knocked over and private yards quickly turned into spots for parking and picnics.
The county created 50 new parking spaces and made other improvements.
There is a new stop light at the intersection of Catawba Avenue and Nantz Road. There are also more signs to keep first-time visitors off neighborhood streets.
"It shouldn't impose on other people's property,” Lorri Stewart said. “You know that's not a good thing."
Cornelius police are monitoring two new cameras at the beach. Charlotte Area Transit System is running free shuttle buses.
The beach was briefly closed in 2016 after the county discovered elevated bacteria levels.
The county has already started testing the water twice a week to make sure it's safe.
"Actually, I was a little worried, so I had to here early because I heard once it's full, they turn you around,” Ordonez said.
(WATCH: Elsa Gillis is at Ramsey Creek Beach's opening day)
Resident Joyce Weisent said the traffic on her no outlet road last summer was unbearable.
“Oh my goodness, we were stuck down in the hole we could never get out,” Weisent said. "People were turning around in my driveway consistently, every few minutes."
Channel 9 reporter Elsa Gillis talked to several people visiting Lake Norman's public beach for the first time.
"I want to get some sand under my feet, see some water,” Crystal McCain said.
"I think it's beautiful. It's really beautiful,” Stewart said.
Free shuttle service to the beach
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the Charlotte Area Transit System will offer a free shuttle service to and from the beach.
It will pick up passengers from the Huntersville-Northcross Park and Ride located at 17126 Northcross Drive in Huntersville.
The shuttle service started Saturday and will end Labor Day weekend.
The service will pick up on weekends and holidays every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beach visitors who ride the shuttle will have free access to the beach.
For information on beach rules and hours, visit the Ramsey Creek Beach web page.
For more information about the shuttle service, contact CATS at 704-336-RIDE (7433) or by going to the CATS website.