Lawson Creek Boat Ramps

In March 1986, as the controversy over the development of Union Point Park and Texaco property into a protected harbor and river resource center grew, Swiss Bear’s Union Point Task Force agreed to the Board of Aldermen’s request to modify plans for Union Point and continue to seeks funds to develop the project.  They also asked the Task Force to expand their area of concern to include the development of Lawson Creek and in cooperation with the New Bern Recreation Department, examine and develop possible sources of funding to expand the boat launching facilities which would be eliminated from Union Point, if the Union Point project moved forward.  Lawson Creek Park, used as a dump for many years was in its early transition of being developed into a city park.

Lawson Creek Park - 1986

In March, Swiss Bear hired the Wilmington firm of Edward D. Stone, Jr. & Associates to design a conceptual site plan with four boat ramps and suitable parking and a budget estimate.  The Department of Public Works took depth readings and determined the site at Lanes Branch and Lawson Creek would be suitable. The average depth of the channel from the head of Lanes Branch to the mouth of Lawson Creek is seven feet plus. That side provided deeper water and more protection from the wind and wakes of large boats, significant advantages over the existing launching facilities in Lawson Creek Park. The plan also provided parking for 100 vehicles with trailers.

In April, during a joint city-county board meeting, County Commissioners appropriated $27,400 to help construct the boat ramps. The City provided the labor and the project was completed and dedicated in the late summer and have been a popular asset used by boaters and fishermen throughout the county ever since.

Dedication at Lawson Creek Park

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director