Chalk’s Landing breaks ground on community pavilion

ROCKINGHAM — Residents and developers broke ground Saturday at the site of the Chalk’s Point pavilion along the Pee Dee River and Blewett Falls Lake in the western part of the county.

The site will be built into a pavilion and community gathering area for area residents and those that live in Chalk’s Landing, a gated community 10 miles from downtown Rockingham.

“While it may be a far cry from the original amenities area, it’s taken a lot of hard work and perseverance to get to this moment,” said Chalk’s Landing board of directors president Julie Neal Poplin. “We want to thank the individual property owners of Chalk’s Landing, particularly those that have been here since its inception, for (their) belief in this beautiful, serene neighborhood.“

Poplin and her team had a slightly grander vision that was interrupted by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused building costs to rise significantly.

The initial plan for the pavilion included a full clubhouse and in-ground pool, but the current design is for a full 3,696 square foot-picnic shelter that is designed to accommodate more than 100 people. It will include bathrooms and outdoor showers, as well as a kitchen with a pantry and storage, and a fountain and propane-fueled fire pit.

Construction began at the end of May, Janet Weyant, vice president of the Chalk’s Landing Board of Directors, said the project is expected to be completed by March.

“This building will serve as a happy place for many happy hours, and where the community members can gather,” Weyant said. “It’s a beautiful place to bring neighbors, friends and family together.”

County commissioner Don Bryant also thanked the Chalk’s Landing board of directors for getting the project off the ground.