News Summary
Pine Island State Park, the newest addition to South Carolina’s parks, is set for its soft opening on October 1. The 27-acre park offers scenic views by Lake Murray and will be accessible on select days. Despite previous delays, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, a beach, and fishing spots. Admission fees are established, and future plans for developments, including a campground, are underway. The park aims to carefully manage visitor flow to enhance the experience for all.
Lexington, South Carolina—Pine Island State Park, South Carolina’s newest state park, is set to host its soft opening on October 1 after a series of delays. The park will be open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., providing an opportunity for local residents and visitors to explore its scenic offerings.
The new park spans 27 acres and is located on the shores of Lake Murray. Previously, the site functioned as a lakefront club for employees of South Carolina Electric & Gas before closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It later became a state property following the collapse of the V.C. Summer nuclear project.
The initial plan was for the park to open in fall 2024; however, this timeline has been pushed back due to various challenges, including a fire incident and damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. To address local residents’ fears concerning increased traffic flow from the park, a thorough traffic study has been conducted.
During the soft opening, visitors will have access to the park grounds, including picnic areas, a beach, and fishing spots. However, certain areas may have restricted access as ongoing repairs and landscaping are still underway. One of the key features undergoing renovation is the existing clubhouse, which will be converted into “Sunset Hall”, designed for events and offering large windows for breathtaking views of the lake.
Admission fees for entering the park have been established as follows: $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, $3.50 for children aged six to 15, and free for children under five. In addition, the park will provide 38 boat slips for lease, available in both six- and twelve-month terms, catering to boating enthusiasts looking to enjoy the lake.
Future development plans for Pine Island State Park may include the addition of villas and a campground, enhancing the recreational opportunities available. It’s important to note that pedestrian entry will not be permitted; all visitors must utilize designated parking areas.
Tim Ritter, the park manager, has been living on-site with his family for the past three months to oversee final preparations for the park’s opening. The parks department is committed to managing visitor numbers carefully to mitigate traffic issues in the surrounding neighborhood, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
The initial renovations and infrastructure adjustments required for Pine Island State Park are anticipated to take at least two years to complete fully. As plans for enhancements unfold, local residents and park-goers can look forward to a revitalized space dedicated to recreation and enjoyment in the heart of South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Pine Island State Park
- Cola Daily
- Google Search: Pine Island State Park
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake Murray
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Pine Island State Park opening
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.
