9/20/04

Bass Lake Dedication Ceremony to be Held Oct. 2
Dedication Features Big Sweep, Hands-On Environmental Displays, Free Pig Pickin'

To celebrate the opening of Bass Lake Park & Retreat Center, the Town of Holly Springs is holding a dedication event on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the park. Highlights of the dedication include a ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m., a free pig-pickin’, and hands-on environmental education booths and displays from national and state agencies.

“Whether it’s the exhibits, the fishing, the boating, the hiking or the eating, the Bass Lake dedication ceremony is certain to offer something for everyone – both children and adults,” said Park Manager Scott Barnard.

Before the event, from 8-10 a.m., the park is holding its first annual Big Sweep as part of a national effort to reduce pollution. Refreshments will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers are asked to register in advance for the Big Sweep by calling the park at (919) 557-2496.

At 10 a.m., environmental education booths will open. Exhibitors include: US Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Forest Service, NC Wildlife Federation, NC Sea Grant, Wake County Open Space, American Tobacco Trail, Holly Springs Engineering Department and local historian Sandra Simpson.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears, Town Manager Carl Dean and Parks & Recreation Department Director Len Bradley will be speaking at the event. Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to a pig pickin’ as long as the food lasts. Refreshments can be purchased at the park concessionaire.

While at the park, consider renting a canoe or john boat to view the new facility from the water. And, don’t forget your fishing poles and bait to try your luck fishing! Children can check out fishing poles and tackle from the park office for free. Or, consider hiking the 1.25-mile, one-way trail along the lakeshore to take in scenic views.

The 90-acre Bass Lake Park & Retreat Center is a more than $2 million project. More than $1 million of the funding is grant money from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, NC Water Resources and NC Trails. Additional money for the park was funded by business contributions, developer fees and other Town revenues. The park is open from 8 a.m.-sunset.

For additional information about the event or Bass Lake Park & Retreat Center, contact the park (919) 557-2496.

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us