Lake Lure Town News Summary - 5/28/26

 

What an exciting month it has been in Lake Lure! From community events and town projects to important priorities and upcoming opportunities to get involved, there is a lot happening across our town.

Take a few minutes to explore this month’s Town News, including:

• Highlights from recent town events

• Updates on key projects and priorities

• Links to meeting summaries and media coverage

• Upcoming events and community announcements

We want this newsletter to be informative, helpful, and relevant to our residents. If there are topics, questions, or stories you would like to see included in future editions, please send your suggestions to Communications@townoflakelure.com.

 

CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF THE LAKE!

 

 

Governor Josh Stein joined federal, state, and local officials in Morse Park to announce the reopening of beloved outdoor destination Lake Lure.

“This is an exciting day for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Twenty months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, but today, Lake Lure is back! Local, state, and federal government partnership with lake residents has powered its restoration. Lake Lure is a gem, and I’m excited that folks have the chance to rediscover this unforgettable place this summer.”

“Today is more than the reopening of a lake — it is the restoration of a place that brings our community together,” said Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett. “In the aftermath of Helene, our Town Council and town leadership was faced with countless recovery challenges and difficult decisions. We knew we had to prioritize the needs that would most directly impact our residents’ livelihoods and support the economic vitality of our county and state, and we remain committed to addressing the many remaining recovery projects in the months ahead. From town leadership and staff, emergency personnel, federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, engineers, contractors, environmental partners, local businesses, churches, volunteers, and residents — today’s achievement belongs to all of you.” 

Read more here.

Mayor Pritchett on Boat Ride with Governor Stein and Col Morgan following the ceremony.

• Watch the Exclusive Interview with Governor Stein by Spectrum News - Sailing on Lake Lure, Stein says more funding needed for western N.C. - The town held a reopening ceremony Friday with Gov. Josh Stein to celebrate the progress made since Helene damaged the area.

 

LAKE LURE PHASE TWO REOPENING IN PLACE

 

The NC &SC Ski Teams celebrated with Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

 

Town Council approved “Phase Two” of the Lake Lure Reopening Process. The following are the Phase Two guidelines:

• The Washburn Marina ramp opened to permitted motorized vessels effective Saturday, 5/16/26.
• Temporary towing restrictions are lifted under existing Lake Use Regulations. and towing is now allowed.
• Follow Boat Permit Requirements and Lake Use Regulations closely ensuring that all drivers have their boat license.
• The Pool Creek Picnic Park ramp for non-motorized vessels will remain open.

Note that construction is ongoing in Morse Park and at the Washburn Marina. 

Read more here.

 

 

NEXT STEPS FOR WASHBURN MARINA

 

 

The Washburn Marina/Morse Park boat ramp area reopened to the public despite ongoing work to rebuild the stationary marina docks and the floating boardwalk and boat slips.

• A temporary Marina Building will be placed in the area serve the public and manage boat tours.

• The Marina fuel pump is being installed for public use. 

  • For the fuel pump and stationary dock areas, the Town had hoped to complete the work prior to Memorial Day; however, delays in delivery of decking materials have impacted the construction schedule, and completion is now anticipated in early to mid-June.

• A temporary building will be used by the concessionaire this season as a permanent building (shown below) is constructed for future use.

• The rebuilt marina will include 208 seasonal boat slips along with 6 Daily Rental Slips (4 day minimum rentals), and 6 - free 2.5 hour boat rental slips (first come, first serve).

  •  All slip assignments remain as they were in 2024.

  • For the marina slips rented by permit holders, the project remains on schedule and has consistently been targeted for completion in mid-July.

  • The new Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk design will closely replicate the previous layout, preserving the look and character of the marina that the community knows and loves.

  • There is a wait list for the seasonal boat slips. Send an email to inquire about the mailing list.

• Additionally, there will be a dock with temporary slips available near Pool Creek Picnic Park but a date for this project is not yet confirmed.

 

 KEEPING LAKE LURE CLEAN - LAKE DEBRIS PICK UP

 

The Town of Lake Lure has resumed responsibility for lake debris cleanup operations.   Town-led debris removal has begun.

Under this program, Town staff will collect floating lake debris from coves and around boat docks. For the first six months, pickups will occur on Wednesdays during the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month. After this period, service will transition to the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Lake conditions, debris volumes, staffing, and program effectiveness will be monitored throughout this initial phase, and the schedule may be adjusted as necessary to respond to changing conditions. Enter a work order here.

Read more here.

 

 

RIVER SIDE DEBRIS BOOM

 

The Town is actively working with engineers on the design and replacement of a debris boom at the river inlet to the lake.

• This is a significant-cost project, and while we began working on it as soon as FEMA obligated the project, we were not able to move forward with funding until that obligation occurred.
• This project is more complex than a standard installation due to the significant changes in the river channel and lake mouth following recent storm events.
• As a result, the boom must be custom-designed to fit current conditions and function effectively, which requires detailed engineering analysis and coordination.
• While this has extended the timeline, please know that the Town is diligently working through the design process to ensure a long-term, reliable solution.
• Our goal is to have the new boom in place as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience as we move this important project forward and will continue to keep the community informed as progress is made.

 

WATER QUALITY

 

Please see the latest water sample results here through April 2026.  We are pleased to report that the latest results remain within normal.  This data is current through 4/28/26.  May 2026 samples have been taken and will be posted as soon as they are received. 

 

FISHERY UPDATE

Lake Lure's Fishery Recovery Remains a Priority! 

As the lake continues to refill, ongoing habitat improvements are underway for the Lake Lure fishery.  Over 300 trees are being placed into the lake to create a new habitat for the fish. The long-term ecological recovery will continue to be guided by years of professional fishery studies.   For more information on the fishery, please see the Lake Lure Fishery Update from Gary Hasenfus, Lake Advisory Board Member and fishing enthusiast. 

 

 

MORSE PARK

 

The remaining sediment in Morse Park will be used to raise the elevation to address drainage issues. Once the leveling has taken place, grass will be planted throughout the area. 

The next steps in Morse Park will be to utilize input and information from the Comprehensive Plan to develop a Morse Park Master Plan so additional amenities can be added, based on resident preferences.  

A second pile of debris can be seen across the river from Morse Park.  This sedimentation will be removed by contractors working for the Town of Lake Lure but at some point in the future based on funding priorities.

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE

 

The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission.  Since that time, we have held several in person public input sessions as well as a virtual session.  An online public input survey was also shared in various forums with 697 of Lake Lure's residents have completed the survey.  The Foothills Regional Commission advises that this is a very good response rate compared with other municipalities. It is difficult to get high survey responses these days, but for a Town of our size they are very pleased. The vast majority of responses are from full and part-time residents. 

A report is being prepared compiling all of the public input. The Comprehensive Plan will help inform the amenities that are placed in Morse Park and other areas around town.  This report will be widely shared once it is published.  The estimated date for presentation is July - August 2026.  

 

CELL TOWER UPDATES

 

 

LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Lake Lure now has a new cell site and new AT&T fiber availability.

This means Lake Lure has broadband coverage for the area.

The new cell site includes band 14 spectrum, which is high-quality, meant for first responders to connect to the critical information they need.

AT&T held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 22, 2026.

Guest speakers included Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr.

U.S. CELLULAR DONATES $235K IN DEVICES TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS IN ASHEVILLE PARTNERSHIP

"It's such a big day for Lake Lure and for western North Carolina," said Carr. "We're seeing a new cell tower going in, so it means more connectivity and continues to be state, local and federal support for the ongoing support here in western North Carolina."

The coverage comes as Lake Lure opens to the public.

Read more here.

 

MEETING THE MARK

 

• You may review a summary of the Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 12, 2026  

• You may review a summary of the Marine Commission Special Meeting Summary - May 12, 2026   

• Review the June Town Council and Advisory Board Meeting Calendar here.  

 

IN THE NEWS

 

The following is a summary of some of the news coverage from Lake Lure. 

 

 

• YouTube · ABC11: Lake Lure welcomes visitors back for Memorial Day after Helene. In 2024, the town suffered catastrophic damage after more than 22 inches of rain triggered devastating flooding and mudslides.

• Inn bookings increase as summer tourism kicks off with Lake Lure beach reopening. Lake Lure celebrated the grand reopening of its iconic lake on Saturday, May 23, over a year after Helene."I came in 2024 for Helene recovery efforts and...

 

• WLOS: New broadband coverage boosts connectivity in Lake Lure. The Town of Lake Lure now has a new cell site and new AT&T fiber availability.

 

• WBTV: Lake Lure celebrates launch of new cell tower after Helene exacerbated need: LAKE LURE, N.C. (WBTV) - It was a defining day of progress for the town of Lake Lure on Friday, as the community -- stricken by Tropical Storm Helene...

 

• ABC11 Raleigh-Durham: Lake Lure reopening Memorial Day weekend after Hurricane Helene damage, officials say. LAKE LURE, N.C. (WTVD) -- This Memorial Day weekend marks a major milestone for the town of Lake Lure, one of the hardest-hit communities by Hurricane...

 

• WLOS: 'Hidden in Plain Sight' salamander art trail slithers into town as Lake Lure Beach reopens. WLOS News 13 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment...

• ABC11 Raleigh-Durham: Lake Lure reopens after over a year closure removing Hurricane Helene debris. An iconic western North Carolina lake is back open after being closed for more than a year and a half.

• WFAE: Lake Lure reopens following Helene devastation. This weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, Lake Lure is reopening. It had been closed since Hurricane...

• 828 News Now: Lake Lure reopens as Gov. Stein praises WNC recovery efforts. Town leaders say restoration of the lake signals new hope for tourism, businesses and residents.

 

• YouTube · WLOS News 13 - Lake Lure reopens to public for the first time since Helene. Lake Lure is officially reopening to the public this weekend for the first time since Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in the town's recovery and...

• WLOS - 'A dark 20 months': Lake Lure reopens after over a year closure removing Helene debris - LAKE LURE, N.C. — An iconic western North Carolina lake is back open after being closed for more than a year and a half. "It's been a dark 20 months," said...

 

• WPTF - Sign of hope: Lake Lure reopens after almost two years as storm recovery continues: In another sign of Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene's wrath, Lake Lure was reopened to visitors.

 

• WFAE - Lake Lure to reopen this weekend after a 20-month recovery: The Town of Lake Lure is welcoming back tourists, boaters and swimmers this weekend as officials announced it's reopening one week earlier than anticipated,...

 

• Lake Lure to lure over 800 visitors for Memorial Day beach reopening: Nearly 20 months after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the lakeside town, Lake Lure is poised to celebrate its grand reopening over Memorial Day.

 

• WLOS - 'This is a great day': Lake Lure reopens to public for the first time since Helene: Lake Lure is officially reopening to the public this weekend for the first time since Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in the town's recovery.

• Queen City News: Lake Lure reopens early after Hurricane Helene recovery. Lake Lure reopens to the public after 20 months of recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. A major milestone for the community and economy.

• WLOS: 'This is a great day': Lake Lure reopens to public for the first time since Helene. WLOS News 13 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment...

• FOX Carolina News: Students help Lake Lure rebuilding efforts - FOX Carolina's Enrique Salinas has the details.

• FOX8 WGHP: Lake Lure continues ‘soft opening’ with music, arts festivals, grand reopening announcement. The 'soft opening' of Lake Lure continues this summer with a suite of events this month including a music festival, arts and crafts festival, Relay for Life...

• WSOC TV: Lake Lure businesses hopeful as visitors return post-Helene - Lake Lure has reopened after being devastated by Hurricane Helene 19 months ago. Business owners reported a 70% drop in sales due to the damage caused by...

• WNC Magazine: Lake Lure Update - After months of cleanup, the reservoir prepares for a splashy reopening. If you're standing at the edge of Lake Lure on May 8, you might glimpse long-distance swimmer Patricia Temple making her way along the 27 miles of shoreline..

 

2026 LAKE USE REGULATIONS

 

The 2026 Lake Use Regulations can be viewed here.     

• We are pleased to advise that there will be no change in personal Lake Use Fees in 2026, which includes no fees for personal non-motorized boats in 2026.

• Note that one change that was made to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations is that beginning in 2026, vacation rental management companies will be required to register and commercially permit non-motorized boats, as they are already required to do with their motorized boats. This change was made as these non-motorized boats are being utilized for commercial purposes. 

• You may download the 2026 Lake Use Fees. 

• You may download the 2026 Commercial Boat Permit Application for both non-motorized and motorized boats. 

• 2026 Lake Lure Non-commercial Boat Permits - learn more here. 

 

 LAKE LURE DAM

 

Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley

• 30% Design Project for the Lake Lure Replacement Dam: The Town received confirmation of grant funding for $484,471. Staff coordinated with Schnabel Engineering to obtain an updated Work Order (#10) for $910,900, and Town Council approved the work order and budget amendment. This project is well underway and is expected to be completed this summer. This is a major step forward in the process of constructing the new dam.

• Detailed Design: FEMA has approved the grant application for the detailed design phase of the replacement dam (Work Order 10B). Total project costs are $3,500,000, with the Town responsible for a 35% match ($1,225,000) and grant funding approved for the remaining 65% ($2,275,000). The Town of Lake Lure was recently awarded this grant and just received a contract for this project 3/27/26.  The project is expected to begin in the late summer 2026. 

 

KEEP IT IN THE ROAD!

 

• Highway 64/74A Beyond Chimney Rock Village: Highway 64/74A heading West beyond Chimney Rock Village is open to the public at large. 

• From South Carolina: From I-26 towards Asheville take Exit #66, then take the first exit for Highway 108). Turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).

• From Asheville: From I-26 towards Spartanburg - Take Exit #67 (Rutherfordton - Highway 108), once you exit, turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).

• Boys Camp Road Bridge:  Easement issues have delayed this project. The Agreement for this project has been executed. The preconstruction meeting is tentatively set for 2nd week in June. The Substantial completion date is set for the 9th of December, and the project completion date is set for the end of December.

• Paving: Paving on Charlotte Drive will now have to be delayed due to the need for staging debris from the SMART Program at the Public Works space behind the Fire Department.  The paving will occur once this program is complete. 

 

FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENTS RECEIVED

 

The following is a summary of the financial reimbursements the Town of Lake Lure has received following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.  

Key: Categories A: Debris Removal, B: Emergency Protective Measures and Permanent Work, Categories C-G: Roads, Water Control, Buildings, Utilities, Parks

• FEMA Coordination and Recovery Funding: Town staff continued weekly meetings with FEMA leadership to advance ongoing storm recovery projects and advocate for Lake Lure’s funding needs, with a focus on accelerating support for key infrastructure projects and ensuring timely reimbursement.

FEMA reimbursement amounts:

• $862,186.69 –Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
• $754,185.81 –Town-wide Emergency Protective Measures
• $65,390.00 –Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
• $503,580.00 –Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
• $118,323.67 –Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
• $8,250.00 –Temporary Town Hall Facility
• $13,255.75 –Dumpster rentals
• $28,531.78 –Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
• $9,681.02 –Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
• $745,485.13 –Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
• $8,913.73 –Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
• $977,417 –WWTP A&E
• $118,943 – Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
• $5,250 – Lakeshore River Sand Washout
• $101,487.47 – Sediment Pond Culvert
• $72,852.05 – Temporary Municipal Water Supply Project.
• $300,000 – A&E – Hydroelectric Generating Plant Damages
• $64,677.34 – Temporary Town Hall Facility – 90%
• $584,385.62 – Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 1 – Completed Work
• $77,550.72 - Lake Lure CAT A Debris Removal

The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:

• $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
• $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities
• $31,939.35 - Town Structures Damages
• Proctor Road and the Flowering Bridge. Final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.

Grants:

• Multiple grant applications are either in progress or pending award decisions.
• A comprehensive tracking spreadsheet is being developed for internal use.
• Notification received regarding potential additional Helene SRF funding.
  • Funding could total up to 7 million dollars. Sewer system and wastewater treatment plant replacements.

 

VISIT THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE!

 

While visitors should be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts, several local businesses and recreation areas have reopened.  There are a number of attractions that are open in the area. Lake Lure hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and our amazing restaurants are open for business!  Our local businesses greatly appreciate your patronage!  Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well. 

Download the new 2026 Travel Guide here.  

Please visit the Local Restaurant Guide

And here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.  

• Morse Park, New Playground, and the Lake Lure Gazebo 
• Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails
• Disc Golf
• Lake Lure Green Space
• Pool Creek Picnic Park
• Flowering Bridge Education Center and Gardens as they are being created     
• Buffalo Creek Park/Weed Patch Mountain Trail/Upper Boulders Trail (Partially Reopened) 

These amenities are in Lake Lure and are open to the public.

• Youngs Mountain
• Rumbling Bald Golf Courses
• Chimney Rock State Park  (But reservation only) 
• Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access - Click here to reserve your tickets!

Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area along with zip lining, escape rooms, a candy cabin, and so much more!

Turtle Rock Trail: A new trail is being created near Pool Creek Picnic Park. Please stay tuned for updates!

 

WHAT FUND WE HAD IN MAY!

 

Hidden in Plain Sight - Green Salamander Art Trail | Lake Lure North Carolina 

May 1–2, 2026
Lake Lure Parrots & Pirates Music Festival 
Location: Lake Lure Beach 

May 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Weed Patch - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org

May 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM
"Growing and Using Herbs" Class
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

May 6, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Rose Senehi - A River Runs Through It
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

May 8, 2026 | All Day (Stay tuned for more information) 
Swim for Recovery - Swim for Renewal: One Day, One Swim, One Lake, One community
Location: Lake Lure 

May 9, 2026
Lake Lure Classical Academy Relay for Life 
Location: Lake Lure Classical Academy 

May 9–10, 2026
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Lake Lure Town Center - Across from the Lake Lure Beach 

May 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Buffalo Creek Park - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org

May 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM (Stay tuned for more information) 
Ceremony Announcing Dates for Reopening Lake Lure
Location: Morse Park Gazebo 

May 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM (Stay tuned for more information) 
Ceremony Announcing Dates for Reopening Lake Lure
Location: Beach at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure 

May 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Dittmer-Watts Trails - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org

May 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM
“Let’s Make a Terrarium” Workshop
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

May 23, 2026
Lake Lure Lake Reopening Celebration with Fireworks
Location: Lake Lure Beach 

May 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Memorial Day Program  
Location: Veterans Memorial in Lake Lure Town Center - Across from the Lake Lure Beach 

May 27, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Calling All Volunteers - May Trail Tamers Workdays - Please Join Us!
Location: Dittmer-Watts Trails - Contact trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org

AND HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN JUNE!

 

June 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM
"Hydroponics for Beginners" Class
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

June 13 2026
Lake Lure Music Festival 
Location: Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

June 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Lake Lure Flag Day Program & Flag Retirement Ceremony 
Location: Morse Park Gazebo

June 27, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Pollinator Day Activities
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center

 

2026 EVENTS CALENDAR 

 

You may download the 2026 Town of Lake Lure Calendar of Events.  This is a dynamic calendar so please check back regularly to check for updates. Please email Communications@townoflakelure.com for questions or suggestions. The Calendar is of Events is linked on the banner at the top of the homepage on the website.

You may review the official Town Calendar for information on Town Meetings. 

 

QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS

 

You may review previous Storm Recovery Updates in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com

For questions or suggestions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

Published 4/30/26