Enjoy the summer in kayaks and canoes at Duncan Park Lake this June

Duncan Park Lake Opens for Water-Based Activities

Spartanburg and Play Advocate & Live Well (PAL) have teamed up to open the once restricted waters of Duncan Park Lake. The expansive Duncan Park Lake, part of a 102-acre property, will now provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy its tranquil waters using non-motorized boats, including kayaks and canoes. This comes after years of lake usage restrictions, a move that’s expected to attract even more people to the popular Duncan Park.

Grant to Improve Park

The exciting move was made possible after the city secured a federal grant intended to better utilize the Duncan Park. “It was a part of the plan since 2022,” said Christopher George, the city’s communications manager. “We received a federal grant to help lead the community and better utilize Duncan Park. It’s our largest park and there haven’t been many ways to enjoy it.”

Renovations

With the grant, several upgrades will be implemented to enhance the visitor’s experience. A dock will be installed for easy access to the water, parking lots will be established near the lake and invasive species currently inhabiting the lake are set to be removed. The addition of improved walking trails and rental stations for kayaks adds to the expected improvements.

Community Views Taken into Account

Moreover, the move to open the lake for water-based recreational activities comes as a much-welcomed decision, considering the community sentiments. George indicates, “One issue we heard from the community is that they would like to enjoy the lake. It was a priority in the beginning. It’ll be nice for people to actually use the lake.”

Unveiling in June

The month of June marks the exciting unveiling of this initiative, with locals and visitors alike invited to bring their non-motorized boats, or simply rent a kayak on site, to experience the serene and picturesque lake in a whole new light. The 60-year ban on boats at Duncan Park Lake is finally coming to an end, opening up a fresh wave of exciting outdoor activities for lovers of nature and water sports.