Lake Murray, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Lake Murray is set to transform with the introduction of the Waterside at Pine Island subdivision featuring 139 new homes and the opening of Pine Island State Park. The 70-acre development is strategically located and aims to enhance community appeal. Pine Island State Park will also open to the public on October 1, providing various recreational facilities. Community feedback suggests a need for careful traffic management as both developments will draw visitors.
Lake Murray is set to undergo significant transformation with the announcement of a new residential development and the upcoming opening of Pine Island State Park. The new subdivision, named Waterside at Pine Island, will comprise more than 100 homes and an amenity center, covering approximately 70 acres situated between River Road, Cove View Court, and the inlet adjacent to Pine Island State Park.
The Waterside development will feature 139 single-family homes, with construction already underway as land has been cleared for the project. Homes within this development are expected to be on the market by late summer or early fall of next year. The location is strategically positioned on a peninsula in Lexington County, just north of the Saluda River dam and surrounded by other lakeside residences.
In conjunction with the new subdivision, Pine Island State Park is scheduled to officially open to the public on October 1. This development follows extensive planning and the acquisition of the island from Dominion Energy after it was shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Previously, Pine Island was available solely for recreational use by employees of SCANA but has undergone renovations to prepare for public access.
Park Features and Operations
Pine Island State Park will be operational on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Entrance fees will be charged at $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, and $3.50 for children aged 6 to 15. Notably, children under 5 can enter for free. The park will feature a variety of facilities including picnic areas, a beach, fishing spots, and a swimming pool which is set to be filled in after the park’s opening.
Admission to the park will not require reservations; however, parking will be limited to manage potential traffic congestion. A recent traffic study has raised concerns among local residents regarding increased congestion due to the park’s opening. The entrance to the park will be located at the intersection of River Road and Regatta Road, which is in close proximity to the development area.
Community Response and Future Prospects
Community feedback has been mixed regarding the impact of both the new park and the Waterside development, emphasizing the importance of careful traffic management. Potential avenues like tours and after-hours sunset activities are being considered to enhance the visitor experience at the park.
Construction and repairs at the park are still ongoing, and certain sections may remain closed when it opens. There are plans for digital signage and law enforcement presence at peak times to assist in managing crowding and traffic flow. Some features within the park may be altered or not replaced, including damaged shelters and the swimming pool.
The opening of Pine Island State Park has experienced delays, partly due to a fire at the park manager’s residence and damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Governor Henry McMaster recently vetoed a budget proposal that would have instituted advance scheduling for park visitors, labeling it as premature.
Conclusion
As Lake Murray prepares for these significant developments, both the Waterside at Pine Island homes and the Pine Island State Park promise to enhance the community’s appeal while requiring ongoing attention to manage traffic and environmental concerns.
FAQ
What is the Waterside at Pine Island development?
The Waterside at Pine Island development is a new subdivision featuring 139 single-family homes being built on a 70-acre site in Lake Murray.
When will the homes at Waterside be available for sale?
The homes in the Waterside development are expected to be available for sale by late summer or early fall of next year.
When will Pine Island State Park open to the public?
Pine Island State Park is set to open its gates on October 1.
What facilities will Pine Island State Park offer?
The park will include picnic areas, a beach, fishing areas, and a swimming pool, which will be filled in after the park opens.
What are the entrance fees for Pine Island State Park?
Entrance fees are $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, and $3.50 for children aged 6 to 15. Children under 5 can enter for free.
Will reservations be needed for entry to Pine Island State Park?
No reservations will be needed for entry, but parking will be limited.
Key Features of Waterside at Pine Island Development and Pine Island State Park
| Feature | Waterside at Pine Island | Pine Island State Park |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Homes | 139 | N/A |
| Land Area | 70 acres | N/A |
| Opening Date | Late summer or early fall next year | October 1 |
| Entrance Fees | N/A | $6 for adults; $3.75 for seniors; $3.50 for children (6-15); free for <5 |
| Park Operation Days | N/A | Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays |
| Facilities | Amenity center | Picnic areas, beach, fishing areas, swimming pool |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Leaders Form Collaborative Group to Address Development Challenges
Lexington County Tornado Causes Damage Amid Other Tragic Incidents
Irmo Town Council Greenlights Water Walk Development Expansion
Irmo Town Council Evaluates Water Walk Development Expansion
Na’cho Margarita to Open Second Location in Lexington, SC
Columbia’s Local Gardening Initiatives Foster Community Connections
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Lists Headquarters for Sale-Leaseback
Columbia Recognized as Top City in the Southeast
Lexington’s Real Estate Market Flourishes with New Developments
Historic Lexington Property Sold for $600,000
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Pine Island State Park Opening Date
- The State: Local News Article
- Post and Courier: Pine Island State Park Updates
- Google Search: Pine Island State Park Lake Murray
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake Murray
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
