Message from the Mayor - Restoration Continues: Rebuilding, Reopening and Looking Ahead
August/September 2026
It has been an exciting summer in Lake Lure as we continue to see the results of many months of hard work, determination and community support. While there is still much to do, each reopening, completed project and restoration effort brings us another step closer to the Lake Lure we all know and love.
I am especially pleased to share several updates on our marina, parks, trails and Town Center.
Washburn Marina: Open and Continuing to Improve
We were thrilled to reopen Washburn Marina in July 2026. While the marina is now welcoming boaters and visitors, several improvements have continued behind the scenes and throughout the area.
Floating Boardwalk
Take a stroll! The public floating boardwalk is open and provides beautiful views of Lake Lure as it connects Morse Park and Lake Lure Beach. It has quickly become a wonderful place to enjoy the lake and take in the beauty of our community.
Lake Lure Tours
The stationary docks have been rebuilt and are now being utilized by Lake Lure Tours. The company is currently operating from a temporary trailer while construction of its permanent building begins this fall. Boat tours can be scheduled through Lake Lure Tours.
Hot Docks
The hot docks are available for temporary loading and unloading. Passengers may access the docks using the pathway leading toward the Lake Lure Gazebo.
As you walk toward the Gazebo, the docks are on the right side of the pathway, with the playground on the left.
Fueling Station
Another important milestone has been reached at the marina. The new fuel tank has been installed, the fuel lines have been completed, and the fuel pump and fueling station are now in service.
Boat Ramp
Additional work remains at the boat ramp. The Town will be building up and strengthening the existing ramp to improve its long-term functionality and durability. This work will be completed during the next drawdown period, scheduled for January 2027.
Morse Park Restoration Continues
A portion of Morse Park near the Gazebo has been restored for some time, and we have been delighted to see residents and visitors enjoying the playground and surrounding area.
New electric vehicle (EV) chargers have also been installed in the center of the parking lot, providing a convenient new amenity for residents and visitors. Now, restoration of the remainder of Morse Park is underway.
Crews are using remaining sand and material to help level the park and improve drainage. As we move forward, the Town's comprehensive planning process will help guide decisions about the amenities and improvements that will be rebuilt in this important community gathering space.
We look forward to sharing more information as plans develop in the coming months.
Investing in the Future of Lake Lure Town Center
Restoration is not limited to our parks and recreational areas. The Town is also planning for the future of our historic Town Center.
The Town has developed an improvement plan focused on enhancing mobility, safety and infrastructure throughout the downtown area. This is a long-planned effort to create a safer, more resilient and more attractive Town Center while preserving the character that makes Lake Lure special.
The project advances the vision established in the Town Center Small Area Plan, adopted in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2020. Final engineering and design have recently been completed by Odom Engineering, making the project shovel-ready and significantly strengthening the Town's competitiveness for grant funding opportunities.
The proposed improvements will:
- Modernize aging stormwater and sewer infrastructure
- Improve sidewalks and ADA-accessible pedestrian facilities
- Enhance roadway safety and traffic circulation
- Improve the downtown multimodal transportation network
- Add streetscape enhancements
- Strengthen infrastructure resilience
- Improve the overall experience for residents, businesses and visitors
These needs have been important for many years and were further highlighted by Hurricane Helene.
The estimated cost of the project is $2,950,023.50. Because implementation depends on securing external funding, the Town has submitted an application through the CDBG-DR Commercial District Revitalization Program.
If funded, this project will support existing Town Center businesses, enhance the visitor experience, improve mobility and public safety, and strengthen the resilience of our infrastructure. It will also help position Lake Lure for future commercial growth and private investment, creating a stronger foundation for long-term economic development in our historic commercial district.
If funding is not awarded during the current grant cycle, we will continue pursuing additional funding opportunities. This is an important project for the future of Lake Lure, and we remain committed to advancing the community's long-term vision for a vibrant, accessible and economically sustainable Town Center.
Trail Updates: Getting Back Outside
One of the greatest joys of living in Lake Lure is the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful trails and natural surroundings. We are excited to see more of our trail system reopening as restoration work progresses.
Buffalo Creek Park Loop — NOW OPEN!
We were thrilled to announce that the Buffalo Creek Park Loop is now open!
After extensive trail work and improvements, this section of the park is once again available for public use.
This reopening would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of the volunteers and organizations who contributed countless hours of strenuous work to restore these trails.
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
- SORBA
- Conserving Carolina and its volunteers
- Carolina Climbers Coalition and its volunteers
- Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and its volunteers
- Chris "Shrimper" Khare
- Town of Lake Lure Public Works Team
Your time, talent and determination have made a tremendous difference. Thank you for helping restore these treasured outdoor spaces for our community.
Trails Currently Open
The following trails and trail sections are now open for public use:
- Right fork of the Buffalo Creek Park Trail to its connection with the Weed Patch Mountain Trail
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail from the Buffalo Creek Park Loop to the Gray Rock Overlook
- Upper Boulders Trail
- Buffalo Creek Park Loop
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail
The Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park offers a peaceful, dog-friendly trail system with interconnected wooded trails, scenic views and picnic areas. It is a wonderful place for hiking, walking and enjoying the outdoors and is connected to the Lake Lure Green Space.
Lake Lure Green Space
The Lake Lure Green Space is a 2,738-yard public park offering scenic views, pet-friendly areas, disc golf and multi-use trails. It provides another opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Lure.
Coming Soon
Weed Patch Mountain Trail
Please note that the Weed Patch Mountain Trail remains closed in the area where restoration work is continuing. We appreciate everyone's patience as this important work progresses and will provide updates as additional sections become available.
Turtle Rock Trail
The Turtle Rock Trail, located near Lake Lure Town Center, is currently under development and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
We will continue to share updates as these projects move forward.
Moving Forward Together
There is no question that Lake Lure has experienced tremendous challenges over the past two years. But there is also no question that our community has demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
From our marina and parks to our trails, Town Center and infrastructure, restoration is happening throughout Lake Lure. Some projects are complete, some are underway and others are still being planned and funded.
Each one represents another step forward.
As we continue this work, the Lake Lure Comprehensive Plan will help guide our decisions and ensure that the future we build reflects the priorities and vision of our community.
Thank you to our residents, businesses, volunteers, staff, contractors and community partners who continue to contribute to Lake Lure's recovery and future.
Together, we are not simply rebuilding Lake Lure. We are building an even stronger future for our community.
— Mayor Carol Pritchett
Town of Lake Lure
