A little more than a year after Lowell Mill Dam was destroyed, a park has now been completed on a plot of 17 acres surrounding the Little River site outside the Kenly city limits.

By Jamie Hodges
Staff Writer

"It’s done," said George Howard, co-founder of Restoration Systems, a Raleigh-based mitigation company. "We’re just putting some trees in to make it look more attractive." 

The dam was demolished in December 2005. Work on the park, which is approximately two acres, started last October. Howard said the construction ofthe park cost the company approximately $80,000.  Restoration Systems will soon transfer the property to JohnstonCounty. 

After the county takes ownership, a grand opening will take place and the park will be open to the public. Along with the land transfer, Restoration Systems will also provide the county with a private endowment of $140,000. 

"The endowment is for the upkeep of the park," said ErnieWilkinson, a county employee who is overseeing the park as aspecial project. 

Wilkinson said it will take sometime for the attorneys representing both the county and Restoration Systems to examine the paperwork before the official transfer of the title of deeds takes place, but the grand opening is expected to be near the Easter holiday. While the land is still technically private property, Howard said curious visitors are welcome to view it now. 

"People are going to visit the place anyway," said Howard.  "And we have no problem with that. We just want them to be careful." 

The park has a gravel entrance and parking lot that sits on top of a hillside overlooking the Little River.  Several park benches that can be used for picnics have also been strategically placed to offer a view of the river.  Twin walking trails wind down from the hilltop to the river.

"It turned out real pretty," said Wilkinson. "This is something that the local public can enjoy." 

The dam was removed despite strong protest from several Kenly area residents who were concerned that it would negatively affect their fishing.  The water levels dropped drastically right after the demolition. 

"The water levels have since picked up," said Wilkinson. "The fishing will increase." 

Until it was destroyed, the dam had stood on the Little River for approximately two centuries.  Howard said that back in 1810, the majority of Kenly area residents actually wanted the dam destroyed.  According to Howard, families who lived on Little River downstream of the dam didn’t have access to the fish.  "People signed a petition, because the dam was blocking the fish," said Howard.