Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

New Reservation System for Lake Murray Public Park

Scenic view of Lake Murray Public Park with greenery and water

News Summary

Starting April 9, Lake Murray Public Park will implement an online reservation system to enhance visitor experience. A $5 day pass will be required for entry, valid for one-time use only. Cash payments will no longer be accepted, moving towards a cashless system for convenience. The changes aim to manage the park’s capacity effectively, addressing overcrowding during peak times. Visitors can purchase passes up to three weeks in advance for the Lexington side of the park, ensuring a more enjoyable family outing amidst the park’s natural beauty.

Exciting Changes Coming to Lake Murray Public Park!

Are you ready for some exciting news, folks? If you’re in the Lake Murray area, there’s a big change coming your way! Starting April 9, visitors to the scenic Lake Murray Public Park will need to adapt to a brand-new online reservation system that promises to make your park experience smoother and more enjoyable.

What’s New?

Beginning March 19, anyone planning to visit the park can hop online at DominionEnergy.com to grab a $5 day pass. This pass allows you access to the park, but here’s the catch—each pass is valid for one-time admission only. If you decide to leave the park and return later, you’ll need to buy another pass. This new system is designed to help manage the number of visitors and keep everything running smoothly, especially during those busy summer months.

Goodbye Cash, Hello Convenience!

One significant change is that, starting in April, cash payments at the gate will no longer be accepted. It seems that Dominion Energy is making things a little more modern by moving entirely to an online payment system. This could mean fewer long lines and a more straightforward entry process, but some park-goers have mixed feelings about it.

Why the Change?

In the past, the park operated on a first-come, first-served basis, which worked well initially but often led to overcrowding—especially during those sunny summer weekends. With an influx of about 100,000 visitors each year, managing visitor numbers has become essential for maintaining the park’s beauty and ensuring everyone has a great time.

Reactions from the Community

200 parking spaces available at the park, managing capacity through a reservation system could help make the park a more pleasant place to visit. Additionally, one visitor believes the system could help ease overcrowding issues that have plagued the park in the past.

Reservation Details

Here’s what you need to know about making reservations: You’ll be able to purchase your day passes up to three weeks in advance, which is great news for those who like to plan outings ahead of time. This new approach will be in effect only for the Lexington side of the Lake Murray dam. However, don’t worry if you’re keen on visiting other areas – parks on the Irmo side, including the boat launch, will not require reservations. The park will be welcoming visitors from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, all the way through Labor Day.

Final Thoughts

The goal behind implementing this new system is all about making your experiences more enjoyable and manageable as a family. With the hope that families will embrace the changes, this new reservation system at Lake Murray Public Park is poised to offer a more organized way of enjoying all the natural beauty and fun the park has to offer. So mark those calendars and get ready for a revamped park experience that is sure to make your days out by the water even more delightful!