Message from the Mayor - Restoration, Renewal, and the Road Ahead
December/January 2025
As this year comes to a close and we embark upon 2026, let’s pause for a moment and look back. It is incredible to consider just how much has been accomplished over these past twelve months. It has been a year of progress and partnership. Think of the immense steps toward recovery that we have made together. It is truly remarkable to stop, reflect, and recognize all we have achieved to restore the Town, the lake, the roads, and our parks and trails.
These accomplishments did not happen overnight, and they certainly did not happen alone. I want to take this opportunity to share heartfelt thanks to every individual, every team, every volunteer, and every supporter who helped us reach these milestones. Your dedication has brought us to this point, and your commitment continues to illuminate our path forward.
As we welcome a new year, exciting opportunities await us—most importantly, continued progress toward raising the lake. We are currently in the process of making repairs to the seals on the Tainter gates at the Lake Lure Dam. This project requires maintaining the lake at approximately 15 feet below full pond (990 MSL). This vital spillway work is projected to be completed in February 2026. Once this work is finished, Town officials will begin refilling the lake back to full pond.
One of the first groups who will be able to enjoy the lake in 2026 are the collegiate rowers. Over a dozen teams are scheduled to return to Lake Lure for their spring break training. What an amazing sight it will be to see them gliding across the water in the early morning, an inspiring tradition that has been part of our community for generations. Even at a lowered level, the lake can still safely support their training. We anticipate the lake returning to full pond for public use by May 2026.
I am also pleased to share that the Town has signed a contract to rebuild the Washburn Marina and boardwalk in Morse Park. Construction is underway, and our goal is to complete the project by mid-July 2026. Some portions of the work cannot be finalized until the lake returns to full pond, which is why this timeline extends into the summer. The current marina building has been removed, and a temporary structure will be put in place until a permanent facility can be built. We are also finalizing plans for a new dock to house the replacement fuel pump, which we anticipate having ready by May 2026.
Work is also underway to stabilize the surrounding areas at Morse Park. We are so pleased to have a portion of the park open now, including the new Kaboom Playground for the children. You may also enjoy the walking path leading to the gazebo, which has been beautifully illuminated by the festive holiday lighting by our Public Works Department. Once we address the excess soil in the back of the park, we will begin grading that area and planting grass—so stay tuned for updates on these efforts.
Looking ahead, we have even more to be excited about. We are actively developing our comprehensive plan and will share updates as we review the extensive feedback gathered through public input sessions and our online survey. We are grateful that more than 30 percent of our full-time residents participated—an extraordinary level of public engagement. If you have not taken the online survey, you may click here and take it now. We look forward to compiling the data and sharing insights in the upcoming months.
As we look toward the future, the Town of Lake Lure is also preparing to join communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This historic milestone offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared heritage; honor the generations who helped shape our country; and to celebrate the spirit of resilience and unity that continues to define us.
We appreciate your support as we continue working together to restore, preserve, and strengthen Lake Lure. With your partnership, the year ahead holds tremendous promise.
Carol Pritchett
Mayor, Town of Lake Lure
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