Commissioners discuss Point Lookout, greenway, Lake James

McDowell County will do its part to help provide some parking for folks wanting to enjoy the Point Lookout Trail. The county will also move ahead with its plans for a recreation park on Lake James.
At Monday's regular meeting, the McDowell County Commissioners heard a presentation from Bill Hendley, president of the McDowell Trails Association. Hendley asked the commissioners if they would agree to the county taking ownership of the right-of-way for some land near LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center. The land would be used for a parking lot for the Point Lookout Trail, which was converted out of old U.S. 70.
Hendley said the conference center's board of directors recently approved the construction of a parking area and an extended walking trail on land owned by the conference center and others. The lot would accommodate eight to 10 cars. It would solve a problem for those who want to use the trail but need a place to park.
Under the proposal, the conference center's board of directors will agree to turn over the right-of-way on that land to McDowell County through a 25-year lease. The McDowell Trails Association will be responsible for surveying the lands covered by the lease. The trails association will also construct the parking area and install a chain link fence and a security light.
"It will be attractive and it will be professionally done," said Hendley.
The trails association also plans to connect the western end of the Point Lookout Trail to the conference center's land.
"This would complete that section from Old Fort to the county line," he said.
After a discussion, the commissioners agreed to take ownership of the right-of-way for the parking lot land, which is in McDowell County.
"We're enhancing a tremendous asset," said County Manager Chuck Abernathy.
Hendley also asked county officials if they would want to be a partner with the city of Marion on the second phase of the Catawba River greenway park behind the Wal-Mart shopping center. This second part of the greenway will be located outside the city limits.
The commissioners said they wanted to discuss this idea with city officials first before making a decision.
In a related matter, county officials said the public access to Catawba Falls is about to become a reality. Federal money for the property acquisition has gotten through the U.S. House and Senate and is now awaiting President Obama's signature.
"This is something we have sought for over a decade," said Abernathy to the board.
The commissioners also agreed to submit a grant application to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation for $75,000 in state money to develop the Catawba Falls site. If approved, the grant would pay for the building of a pedestrian bridge, parking and the trail itself.
County officials also talked about the future of the Black Bear section of Lake James.
For a long time, the county has looked at leasing Big Island and 60 acres of land in the Black Bear section of the lake for use as a recreation park. The land would be leased from Duke Energy most likely for a period of 40 years. County officials finalized a document a year ago but nothing has been done since mostly because of the bad economy.
At Monday's meeting, Abernathy gave an update on this project to the commissioners and asked if they are still interested in moving forward. The proposed park would have primitive campsites, trails, restroom facilities, a fishing pier, picnic shelters and canoeing. The county will also have a sheriff's deputy there to patrol Lake James and keep the park safe.
After hearing the update, commissioners said they are still interested in getting this park done.
"I think it is a long time coming and I hear a lot of public comment about Big Island," said Vice Chairman Barry McPeters.
Commissioner Michael Lavender said it would provide greater recreational opportunities for average folks. He said for years people have been concerned about Lake James becoming a private lake available only for the wealthy.
"This reverses that train of thought," he said.