Hope Mills Lake Recreational Improvement Plan
Phase I Phase II Phase III This Phase is the time period prior to impoundment of the Lake. These items must be accomplished prior to the Lake level rising to the point of interfering with the project This Phase is the time period between impoundment of the Lake and the first anniversary of the completed impoundment. Projects in this Phase need to be completed to improve the standard of living for all citizens This Phase includes all work not completed in the above Phases, and those projects that require further planning, budgeting and implementation. It is recommended that the Commissioners determine a reasonable Lake timeframe Advisory Committee to complete the remaining projects.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Showing the damage to the sidewalk completely undermined following Hurricane Mathew Deterioration of the bulkhead wall. This is continuing to happen.
Taken from the Lake side, this shows the damage to the sidewalk caused by the undermining of the concrete Figure 3
The end of the boat ramp. Showing the drop off towards the creek. Placement of a curb block at the end and placement of signs will provide safety and notify drivers the trailer is about to go beyond the ramp. Figure 4
Fishing Pier Initial inspection has indicated that the framework of the current Public Pier is in good condition. Parts of the decking and facia boards should be replaced. In order to improve the use of the Pier it is planned to extend the first part of the pier towards the creek. Currently the ability to fish from the pier is limited, due to the surrounding water level of the pier. Extension towards the creek will improve the fishing experience.
Figure 5 Showing the extension to the fishing pier (Blue) and also the location of the Kayak launch (Green) Figure 6 The approximate location of the kayak launch, to the right of the boat ramp.
Figure 7 Figure 8 Swimming area as depicted following impoundment after the new dam. Evidence of erosion can be seen on the shoreline. Depth of the water can also be seen to be too low close to the buoys.
Figure 9 Although this photo is looking away from the dam, the original bulkhead installed in the swimming area of the original lake (prior to the dam failure) is clearly seen to provide protection from erosion.
This photo (from October 2008) shows the slope of the ground from the park area to the waterline. During operations to return the Park to its original state ASI/Schnabel should be requested to try to even out this slope.
Figure 10 Figure 11 The floating docks are in need of refurbishment and also need to be adjusted for the water level of 104 MSL. Initial visual check seems to indicate they could be repairable. However, as seen in Figure 11, the docks were installed for a level of 106 MSL, the marking for 105 MSL is considerably lower and the current plan to impound to 104 MSL will require the docks be lowered. As can also be seen the ground at this level should be excavated to allow boats to dock without grounding out. The yellow line in figure 10 indicates the possible level.
Figure 12 An example from NC Wildlife for the sign they produced for Lake Raleigh.
Irrigation System Irrigation for the park area will provide a means of ensuring survival of the sod/seed that will be installed by ASI/Schnabel in the hottest time of year. It will also greatly improve the capability of maintaining the grass in a high traffic area. By maintaining healthy grass the erosion will be slowed
Phase II Providing adequate litter containers in the park area. Lighting for the fishing pier Lighting within the park
Parking Marked Crossing for Pedestrians Benches on the fishing pier Benches in the Park area
Phase III Improvements to fishing access by adding a new pier closer to the dam. Improvements to the kayak launch area Public access to the ell ladder Complete Museum and Heritage Park Projects
Installed floating fishing pier at Lake Rim. A T shaped pier, fully ADA accessable, and with railings on all parts of approach and pier. Due to its modular construction it has the ability to conform to the transition from shore to water, and will adjust to changing levels. Figure 13 Figure 14
Figure 16 Figure 15 Photos from the internet (FWMdocks.com and SeeThroughCanoe.com) that show possible improved kayak launches available on the market. Neither of these are recommended, but are shown to indicate various different types of launches. NC Wildlife is willing to assist in the design and possible installation ( dependant upon agreements not yet made).
Figure 17 The proposed conceptual plan drawn for Heritage Park. Note the date of January 2003.