Published: Wednesday, Sep. 02, 2009 / Updated: Wednesday, Sep. 02, 2009 04:57 PM
Go enjoy the outdoors
Wow, that went by fast.
It seems that just as soon as we started complaining about the dog days of August, they were over. Here we are, with the Labor Day weekend right around the corner. And you know what that means: College and NFL football isn't far behind,
But for a change, let's look at it another way.
For the most part, the long days of oppressive heat are over. And it will be quite some time before we feel winter's bite. That means it's the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural gifts our township offers.
Need some ideas? Go hike on the Anne Springs Close Greenway or the Nation Ford thread trail. The greenway also offers camping, kayaking and canoeing. The greenway has scenic trails for mountain biking if peddling is your thing. Landsford Canal State Park in Lancaster County is a great place for picnicking and fishing in the Catawba River.
Speaking of fishing, go drop a line in Lake Wylie. Visit Tega Cay's plethora of parks. For tennis enthusiasts, the Tega Cay Tennis Club and the Leroy Springs Recreation Center in Fort Mill has plenty of courts available. All over our township there are parks for walking, jogging and throwing – or kicking – the ball around.
For those who enjoy spectator sports, go check out the Charlotte Knights' final homestand at their ballpark right off Gold Hill Road, near I-77. Also, a major horse show is coming to the greenway later this month. There's a lot to choose from – right here in your back yard.
There's nothing better for individuals and families than getting outside for some good, simple fun. So, what are you waiting for?
Duke's improvements
Speaking of the great outdoors, we'd like to commend Duke for the improvements the power company made to its waterfront properties on Lake Wylie at Nivens Creek Landing and below the Lake Wylie dam on the Catawba River. Both areas are public access sites in our township and neither were particularly inviting until the recent improvements.
Duke had detailed a list of improvements several years ago in its application to the state seeking a renewal of its operating license. Give a little, get a lot. On close inspection, the company actually did an admirable job of making the access areas user friendly, particularly at the river site.
Where there was once a mud caked plot is now an ample parking lot. At one end is an inviting observation/fishing area. Nearby is the entrance to a walking trail with decorative wooden rails so new you can still detect the scent of fresh cut limber and solar lighting. Next to a boat launch is an easy path to the river's edge where there's a perfect spot for fishing and picnicking.
Although we would like to see a few more simple but important improvements, namely more signage to direct people to the sites, garbage and recycling receptacles and a big bold warning that swimming in the river can be dangerous, we applaud Duke for keeping its word and making these amenities so much more inviting.
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