Lincolnton is another step closer to building a water access point on the South Fork River with a new kayak/canoe launch and fishing pier. The Lincolnton City Council approved bids to build the blueway water access point at Betty Ross Park on Thursday, May 3. One of the city's strategic goals is to improve park and recreational spaces for the community and this expansion plan ties into Lincolnton's long-term trail and greenway plans.

The launch and fishing pier will be located on the south side of Betty Ross Park near the current picnic area. There will be a small circle drive to unload with a walk and launch deck at the river's edge. Steps down to the launch pier will provide easy access to "put in" a kayak or canoe. The fishing pier will be a large forty-eight foot long deck located to the west of the launch overlooking the river. An additional park shelter is still planned for the site.

If all goes according to schedule, the launch and pier will be open at the end of the summer.

The project includes grading and site preparation to provide park visitors with direct access to the river and then construction of both the launch and the fishing pier, according to Nathan Eurey, Director of Parks and Recreation. Contracts were awarded to Deal Construction of Lincolnton for the grading and site prep work with Renegar Construction Company of Denver winning the bid for both the launch site and fishing pier.