LANDIS — Nestled in the woods, just on the other side of a walking trail at the Lake Corriher Wilderness Area sits a structure reminiscent of Bass Pro Shops. The wooden building is home to the new town park office and general store and is also where the outdoor enthusiast can find fishing lures, rent a tent or even find a hot cup of coffee.
The office/store is located on Tranquil Lake Drive, off Mount Moriah Church Road near the town’s old water station. The office/store is located in the very spot where the old lake house sat before it was demolished.
Recreation Director Andrew Morgan said the store officially opened March 1. The project was contracted to Greg Ritchie Roofing and Construction, who began in the early part of 2013 and wrapped up in December. The building includes a three-quarter wraparound covered sidewalk with an attached handicapped-accessible boardwalk. The boardwalk leads from the building to the lakeside trails.
Morgan said there are a few cosmetic things that still need to be done including landscaping, but he expects them to be completed before the May 10 mud run. The town will have its grand opening during the mud run event. Organizers of the mud run have even incorporated a run by the park office as part of the route.
Currently, campers can set up their tents in designated camp sites, but for an as yet undetermined fee, the park staff will set up and dismantle a tent and start a camp fire in those camp sites. The set up and dismantle option is likely unheard of at most campsites, but Morgan hopes it will be just one of the benefits that draw people to the wilderness area. The area includes more than five miles of trails where people can run, hike, bike or walk.
Morgan’s office is located there and the store will be staffed with part-time employees who will be able to sell fishing licenses, snacks, camping equipment and eventually boating equipment. The building also houses a police satellite office and conference room.
Morgan said if the town received the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant it applied for then it would expand the opportunities for more activities like kayaking and canoeing as well as building cabins and shower facilities. Currently, the South Rowan YMCA is open and available for bathroom and shower facilities. Restroom facilities are also located at the soccer field concession stand area.
Morgan said this year’s Down and Dirty Adventure Run is expected to bring in around 800 participants. He said it’s grown since it began three years ago.
Participants can run or walk the trail, which is around four miles, through the woods, around obstacles, mud and through creeks. The entry fee is $40 per person until March 31.
Awards are given to the overall individual males and females who will receive an overnight family package to Great Wolf Lodge and awards will be given to top three overall teams. The first local male and female finisher will receive a $50 gift certificate to Phidippides Sports Center. There is also a kids fun run for children 12 and younger that is a half-mile. The cost of the children is $15.
Park hours are from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from Oct. 1 to March 31.
For more information about wilderness area rentals or other town recreation facilities visit www.townoflandis.com/lake-corriher-wilderness-area/ or call 704-857-4114.