“Beatty’s Ford Beach will include a public swim beach area, accessible fishing pier, a concession building with bathrooms, additional paved parking and a looped drive for safe entering and exiting of the park,” León said Tuesday. “The new amenities will allow public swimming access to Lake Norman and future program offerings from Lincoln County Parks and Recreation.”

She added that as part of Duke Energy’s Catawba-Wateree license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2015, the company is working to enhance public recreation, as well as habitats for fish and other aquatic life.

Beatty’s Ford Park is one of more than 30 such sites along the Catawba River and its related three lakes that will be improved before 2038. Construction on Beatty’s Ford Beach is slated for completion this autumn, and the swimming-area beach will open to the public in May of next year. Upon completion, Beatty’s Ford Beach will become the third public-access area for swimming on Lake Norman, according to Lincoln County Parks and Recreation Director John Davis.

“We are very excited for this project,” said Davis, “as it will add another amenity for Lincoln County families and visitors. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state of North Carolina, and creating a safe and enjoyable access for the public to enjoy adds to the caliber of our community.”

Representatives of Duke Energy and Lincoln County Parks and Recreation ask the public to please follow posted signs at the construction site and stay clear of construction crews to allow for safety.