Rankin Lake Park — Attraction in Gastonia

I went kayaking for the first time today. I lasted about 20 minutes because I ended up falling into the water lol. I had to swim to shore because the staff was nowhere to be found. When I got to shore, a staff member arrived on his cart and had the audacity to tell me to move off the shore or I’d be fined $1000. I understand if he was telling me this to question me, but had he accessed the situation, he would’ve seen that I was fully wet because I fell into the lake. If it wasn’t for my cousin attaching my kayak to his so I could swim to shore safely. I recommend that the park has more attentive staff members. I had a life vest sure, but had I been a child or any other circumstances where I couldn’t have swam to shore, I cannot help but wonder what they would’ve done, if anything at all. I’ve swam professionally for nearly 20 years. I was once a lifeguard and still have my license. The staff member told me they found water in the kayak which they believe was due to a leak in the kayak, so now their products are defective. I will continue to kayak, but I will not do it here. I am disappointed with the staff’s decorum and patrons of the lake deserve better. I am also disappointed with their inability to assess their products before putting...

A very good park with a nice lake. It is perfect for photoshoot with sunset. You can walk/jog/ run around the lake. There are lots of shelter that you can rent for parties all you have to do is to call the number online to reserve. The park also has an overflow parking spot, a playground for kids with mini zipline. It also has disc golf, places to set up picnic, etc. We have been visiting this park for a lot of times and still love it. What I don't like about this park is they have bathrooms by the playground but it is always locked so, if you are renting the shelter by that area and you need to use the bathrooms you have to go to the only bathrooms available which is by the lake. Just make sure you do your kegel exercises (you'll need it) because it is a little far if you walk. Very inconvenient and their bathrooms is always out of soap and no paper towels. If you are a Pokémon Go fan this park has multiple Pokéstop in the area with Gym to train and battle...

This park is beautiful! The walk around the lake is about 2 miles. They have poop bags available for the puppies and a lot of folks including myself bring them for leash walking. I guess there's something about fresh air and sunshine that puts folks in a good mood! They offer paddle boat rentals to use on the lake. Fishing is accepted in designated areas around the lake. A goof selection of benches are available and strategically place for quiet resting or enjoying the views. They have a restroom facility right near their two covered picnic areas. In order to use the picnic sections you have to reserve them ahead of time and from what I understand they are booked well in advance. There is also a playground area for children a small walk down from the pond. I haven't seen a dog park area here, so not sure if one is available. I have yet to visit here and not find it full of people enjoying this location. This is an excellent...