Duke Energy Foundation donates to Lake Wateree State Park

A new canoe / kayak launch will be built at Lake Wateree State Park thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.  Plans are still being developed, but the project should include a sidewalk from the day-use area in the park to the launch at the lake shore. A floating dock also is part of the vision. With an anticipated opening date in the summer of 2020, it will be the first canoe / kayak launch built for the park.

“We are delighted to be selected by the Duke Energy Foundation for such an improvement,” said Rowdy Harris, Manager at Lake Wateree State Park. “Not only does it help us protect the lake shore, it also provides an additional amenity for our visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Wateree.”

The Duke Energy Foundation has supported multiple state park projects recently in South Carolina. The charity built a substantial canoe / kayak launch in 2018 at Landsford Canal State Park, and developed and opened the new Camp Cedar Creek group camp at Keowee-Toxaway earlier this year.

“This grant will provide the Lake Wateree community with a much-needed resource to promote good stewardship of the natural beauty around us,” said Michael Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “South Carolina State Parks do such a great job with projects like this that provide valuable recreational opportunities to nature lovers of all ages, and we are happy to help bring this launch to life.”

The Lake Wateree State Park grant is one of 12 that Duke Energy Foundation awarded to environmental and educational groups across the state in October.

Lake Wateree State Park is 238 wooded acres off I-77 in Fairfield County. The park provides lake access, picnic areas, a walking trail and campsites.