New fishing/kayak/canoe site in works

Andy and Opie might not show up there with poles in hand, but others will be able to enjoy a new fishing access point in Mount Airy, also accommodating kayayers and canoeists.

It is planned for a municipal-owned site on Carter Street along the Ararat River near its confluence with Lovills Creek, in the vicinity of the Big Lots shopping center off U.S. 52-South.

The project is targeting a 3.12-acre parcel through a joint effort involving Mount Airy, Surry County and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Director Peter Raymer and his staff have been working for some time with county officials on the project, City Manager Darren Lewis explained during a meeting last month.

The Mount Airy Board of Commissioner subsequently approved the three-way cooperative agreement unanimously.

Lewis said the development of the new access point on Carter Street is part of an ongoing effort by county officials to establish such facilities along waterways across Surry.

“The county has done a really good job there,” he said of that initiative in which the city will be included among the expansion of its access sites.

Plans call for the county government to fund the initial construction at a cost not to exceed $150,000.

Meanwhile, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will design and construct the facility, under the joint pact.

The city government’s input involves providing the land and certain repairs.

At present, the property involved is heavily forested, situated near the corner of Carter and Woltz streets adjacent to a Nester Hosiery facility.

The entrance to the access point will be across Carter Street from Nester’s, with Lewis saying that ample parking is to be provided.

When completed, a convenient access point for fishing and the launching/retrieving of “float-style vessels” will be in place, according to project documents.

At last report, Lewis said no timetable had been set for the completion of the work.

“I think it will be good for tourism,” the city manager predicted, in addition to meeting a project goal of providing more recreational opportunities for local residents.

In response to a question from Commissioner Chad Hutchens, Lewis confirmed that the only expense to the municipality once the access point is completed will be maintenance of the grounds.

Hutchens said he appreciates the funding support from the county government.