The River District's great assets

Keep It Local, by Barbara Lawrence – June 28, 2012

When you think of a destination, what are some of the features that make it special? 

Mountain Island Lake, by CMS

Water!

Water for boating, fishing and just enjoying is available at Mountain Island Lake, and the Catawba River as it flows into Lake Wylie.

Mountain Island Lake has approximately 3,281 acres of surface area and 61 miles of shoreline. Duke Energy provides two boating access areas on the lake and a tailrace fishing platform for bank fishing in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. There are several public access areas for boating and fishing.  Along the river, there are parks and access points in Mount Holly and Belmont.  Kayaks and canoe rentals are available. Without going into great detail here about access, this is just a reminder that many people in our area enjoy getting out on a boat and fishing on a regular basis. You may be out on the highway everyday and just don't think about the great water resource we have. An adventure unique to our region, and right here in the Catawba River District, is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Today Show featured a great segment just this week illustrating some of the fun available.  I like maps, especially when there is so much to see and do.  USNWC Map Golf There is always a golf course in a destination area, and we have a great place here in the Catawba River District, Pine Island Country Club, 1701 Stoneyridge Drive, Charlotte. The entrance is off Hwy 27 (Mount Holly Road) just west of I-485. Pine Island Country Club location in relation to major highways and the Catawba River College and history Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road at I-85, is a great asset to our region.  The church was built in 1893. The campus serves 1,700 plus students according to US News college rankings.    There are many great assets in our area, making it a special destination.  I have only focused on a few that are located within the Catawba River District.  About Barbara Lawrence – Barbara has a background in economic development and real-estate research. Her work has included revitalization of downtown Boone, downtown Gastonia and now Mount Holly.