LJSP Visitors Center Groundbreaking Celebration

Christmas came a week early for Lake James State Park and its many supporters. On Dec. 18, 2019 the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony took place for the park’s future visitors center. The origins of the visitors center go all the way back to 2006, when the state legislature approved the purchase of nearly 3,000 acres in Burke County that became the Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James State Park.

Now, after years of establishing the PCA’s expansive infrastructure, the time is right to add the crown jewel to the facility. In 2016, the Connect NC Bond, approved by the citizens of North Carolina, compelled the state legislature to fund more than half of the projected cost for a visitors center at Lake James, but many other partners have made significant contributions to get the project off the ground.

• The NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund granted $4,672,000 for the visitors center and Cove Bridge project.

• The Duke Energy Foundation contributed $55,000 for the facility’s exhibit hall.

• The National Park Service donated $92,000 to add exhibits relating to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

• The Rostan Foundation of Valdese donated $70,000 towards the construction of an adjoining outdoor amphitheater.

“I would like to thank all of our state legislators for supporting state parks and this project in particular,” Park Superintendent Nora Coffey said. “Thank you to all who voted for the Connect NC Bond and thank you to those who ensured it was on the ballot back in 2016.”

Look for future editions of this newsletter for updates on construction and timetables on the visitors center’s eventual opening.