LAKE NORMAN, N.C. — It used to be if visitors wanted to have fun on Lake Norman in Mecklenburg County, they either needed to own a boat or know some who has one. That is about to change.
Mecklenburg County's first public beach will open Memorial Day weekend, Lake Normal officials announced Friday.
New beach in Mecklenburg County on Lake Norman will open to the public Memorial Day Weekend. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/mah6y0QjIi
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 18, 2016
All is quiet on Lake Norman at Ramsey Creek Park, but it certainly won’t be that way in a few months.
Leaders have tried to bring public swimming to Lake Norman in Ramsey Creek Park since 1997.
"Everybody wanted it. It's something the county needs, so it’s just been a timing issue," director Jim Garges said.
Had it not been for the recession, the beach might have been open by now, officials said. Despite the delay, leaders are expecting it to provide a boost to the local economy.
Lake Norman generated $21 million in revenue last year. Officials are hoping to top that this year.
"We need to be able to offer our greatest opportunity, our liquid asset, to everybody, not only those living here but our guests who come and stay in our hotels," Bill Russell of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce said.
Access to the beach will be free, but it will cost $3 to park.
What are your thoughts? Comment on our Facebook page.
Would you use the public beach at Lake Norman? It's expected to open by Memorial Day weekend. Reporter Joe Bruno is asking officials about the project. http://on.wsoctv.com/1RTp2bU
Posted by WSOC-TV on Friday, March 18, 2016
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