Families celebrate July 4th at Beatty’s Ford Park swim beach on Lake Norman

DENVER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Some people in our area got to try out a new swim beach in Lincoln County to stay cool on this hot Fourth of July.

Annie Phillips and her dad Cody spent a good part of their holiday at the new Beatty’s Ford Park Swim Beach on Lake Norman.

“My dad told me to leap in, and he gave me a piggyback,” Annie said.

They got there when it opened early for Independence Day. Annie said she had no intention of leaving at nearly 1 p.m.

“She loves the beach and loves the water, so she’s tickled to death,” Cody said. “She’d be here every weekend.”

Annie wasn’t the only one. Jake Williams brought his kids out to try it out after a recommendation.

“My grandma was telling me about it and other family members, so I had to come and check it out,” Williams said. “Now they get to play in sand and wear them out all day so they can sleep all night.”

Williams grew up in the community and was excited to try out the new addition with his family.

“They’re loving it,” Williams said. “They always want to go to the beach, but, you know, it’s a 4.5-hour drive to the closest beach. So, for a 10-minute drive, it’s worth it.”

Steve Wilson and his wife said it’s a nice little secret.

“We were actually talking about going to the beach, but decided we’d come out here because this was available. You know, it’s like a nice staycation spot,” Wilson said. “Hopefully, we can keep it a secret.”

The swim beach is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Kids under the age of 5 swim for free.

It opened at the beginning of June to the public.