On Wednesday, March 3, Guilford County announced that the marina at Southwest Park is open for the 2021 season. The marina opened up for parkgoers at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning in a sign that spring is arriving – even though spring won’t officially get here until March 20.
Water sports in wide-open areas are a good COVID-19-safe endeavor, and people can now launch their boats from the marina and enjoy the open water on the Randleman Regional Reservoir.
The marina will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The county will extend the hours in April, when the marina will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also, starting in April, the park will have kayaks and other small boats for rent – though, thanks to COVID-19, users will have to bring their own personal life-saving flotation device.
Visitors should also remember that plenty of activities are forbidden at the reservoir – such as swimming, water-skiing and fishing from the lake bank. Also not allowed is using your jet ski on the water.
Southwest Park is a 513 acre property owned and operated by Guilford County along with the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority. The marina closes each winter to comply with Water Authority rules.
In addition to the water activities, the park has hiking trails, a dog park, picnic shelters, playgrounds and plenty of open space.
The county website stresses that this is one of the best parks to commune with nature. “On a visit to Southwest Park you will notice the grass is naturally higher and plants are not cut way back. You will also observe an abundance of bird houses and bird feeders. It is our intention to create a natural habitat along with our recreation facilities in an effort to educate visitors on native animal and plant survival.”
Those interested can find the park hours and more information at www.guilfordparks.com.
