Morse Park

This park features beautiful vistas of the mountains of Hickory Nut Gorge and is a popular choice an impromptu picnic, sunbathing, reading, bird watching and catching an afternoon nap in a lawn chair by the lake.

It is a 23-acre community park in the center of town at the western end of Lake Lure. The park is conveniently located next to the Municipal Center. Open year-round, the park is popular with residents and visitors alike. Whether you are up for a casual stroll, a short speed walk or a low-impact jog, this park is ideal for all three. Morse Park consists of four distinct areas, the meadow, the gardens, the wetlands, and the riverside. The most difficult thing to do will be deciding where to plant your lawn chair or spread your picnic blanket.

Facilities include:

• A level multi-purpose field for festival events and other recreational uses
• Two lighted tennis courts
• A basketball court
• Children’s play area including, slides, swings, and climbing apparatus
• Covered picnic tables with grills
• A friendly fully-staffed visitor center for information on area attractions
• A network of over a mile of walking/jogging paths with benches along the way
• A large covered gazebo for special events such as concerts and weddings
• Two wooden wharfs
• Landscaped gardens
• Fishing areas along Rocky Broad River side as it empties into Lake Lure
• Wooded wetland areas and large pond for wildlife viewing and birding
• Restrooms
• Approximately 225 parking spaces

Morse Park is undergoing several enhancements that will include an updated drainage system, more of a focus on the ecological value of our wetlands and additional landscaping.

A number of events take place in Morse Park, including a Dragon Boat Racing Festival, a Dirty Dancing Festival, arts and craft fairs, car and boat shows and a fly-fishing skills tournament.