news-record.com

EDEN — Mayor John Grogan climbed sycamores as a boy and jumped into the Smith River. But with the opening this week of two new river landings, residents and tourists now have better ways of accessing the Smith and Dan rivers.

The Island Ford and Draper landings opened Monday, bringing the number of city-operated river access points to three. Grogan and other city officials gathered at each of the sites Monday afternoon for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The city’s rivers are a major source of recreation, and officials say the opening of the newest access points is indicative of residents’ use of the rivers.

“There’s a tremendous demand for river access,” said Katherine Mull, executive director of the Dan River Basin Association.

The opening of Island Ford in the city’s Spray section and Draper, located off N.C. 700, will also be more convenient for residents who use the rivers. The city now has access points in each area of the city. The other landing is in Leaksville.

“You can get in (the rivers) almost anywhere in town now,” said Johnny Farmer, Eden’s director of parks and recreation.

The Island Ford landing, which provides access to the Smith River, cost about $42,000 to build, Farmer said. The city received a $32,000 grant from the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program to complete the project.

Island Ford is on city property, but the city leased the land to build the Draper landing from the family of Ted and Jackie Johnson. The landing cost $18,000-$20,000 to build, Farmer said, and was done using all city staff.

The Draper landing on the Dan could be the future site of a boat landing, Farmer said. None of the city’s access points have boat ramps.

The Dan River Basin Association is planning a free outing at the Draper landing at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5. Participants will float to Berry Hill Bridge.

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com