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By: Erin Smith
Folks had a chance to take a nature hike, learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and learn more about Singletary Lake State Park on Saturday as the park celebrated the NC State Parks Centennial. The park was open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The weather Saturday was perfect for a day at the park hiking, boating, or fishing with sunny skies and temperatures reaching into the mid 80s.
Singletary Lake Park Superintendent Kristin Woodruff said, “It is the centennial of the NC State Parks. Each park developed their own special event to mark the occasion. We wanted the opportunity for the public to come out here and see what we have.”
Singletary Lake, which consists of Camp Loblolly and Camp Ipecac can be rented by the public. For more information regarding renting the camp, call 910-669-2928.
Folks could learn about the interesting history of the camp’s construction by the CCC. The dining hall, the restrooms and cabin No. 10 in the Camp Ipecac section were all constructed by the CCC, according to Ranger Josh Mills who was assisting the Singletary Lake staff for the day.
The CCC was a public work relief program that operated from about 1933 until about 1942 and was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. The men that worked in the CCC program performed such work as planting trees, building roadways and constructing parks, among other things.
The CCC also constructed the fire towers near Jones Lake State Park and the one located in Turnbull State Forest.
“Our CCC cabins are in fantastic shape,” said Woodruff.
Folks were also able to learn how to fish using cane poles provided by the park and children took delight in swimming in the cool waters of the lake.
Other folks chose to enjoy a nature hike learning about the Carolina Bays and wildlife that inhabit the park. Along the nature trail one could see squirrels, all manner of birds, insects and even a lizard or two.
Kristin Knight brought her family to the park on Saturday. She said, “We are trying to do all of the Junior Ranger Programs at all of the state parks.”
Singletary Lake State Park was the eighth park the family had visited.
There were also games such as the “Who Done It” game where children could look at clues and try to decide which animal that lives in the park created the “crime scene.”
There was also a movie that discussed the history of North Carolina’s State Parks.
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