CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A recreational destination 15 years in the making opened on Saturday in Sherills Ford.
The Mountain Creek Park opened on Saturday with state and county officials present along with representatives from Duke Energy.
Mountain Creek Park is a recreation center that covers 606 acres near Lake Norman. This is the fourth park in the Catawba County Park System.
Some of the features at the location include a 19-mile trail system designed for mountain biking, a fishing pier, an observation deck, four pickleball courts, and a dog park, among others.
The idea behind Mountain Creek Park began in the mid-2000s with a collaboration between Catawba County and Duke Energy.
“The park site was set aside in the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement, which was signed by Duke Energy, Catawba County and 68 other stakeholder parties in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin in 2006," said Jeff Lineberger, Director of Water Strategy and Hydro Licensing, Duke Energy. "That Agreement provided the region’s vision for enhancements needed around Duke Energy’s 11-lake system to best meet the needs of the public."
The decade-plus-long project included land acquisition, designing the park, and constructing the destination.
“Six years after this property was acquired, we Commissioners embarked on a new strategic plan to drive economic growth and enhance our good quality of life in Catawba County,” said Catawba County Board Chair Randy Isenhower. “The development of Mountain Creek Park was an important part of that plan because it increases amenities for our citizens, preserves our natural habitat, and provides access to our beautiful outdoors in Catawba County."