Image shows new event center under construction. Drywall stacks in the foreground and pointed roofline, framing and outside insulation are the main focus.

The new event center is set to open sometime this summer.

New programs and construction at Don Carter State Park have brought more than the usual trickle of visitors to the only Georgia state park on Lake Lanier. Although it’s not rare to see a beach towel or umbrella on the park’s main draw – its wide sandy beach – visitors are discovering other things to do at the 1,316-acre respite.

Naturalist Michaela Weis reported last month that park programs attracted almost 1,000 visitors since October. Weis, the first park naturalist in more than two years, and new park manager Jamie Madden have organized campfire cooking demonstrations, reading groups, hikes and other activities aimed at getting families out to the park. Upcoming cooking sessions include how to make popcorn and peach cobbler over an open fire.

In addition, look for themed monthly activities for kids with craft kits and stickers.

A new enclosed event center being constructed near the RV campground is expected to increase visitation. “It will accommodate 116 people, has two EV charging stations in the parking lot, will have some lake views, a kitchen, and bridal suite as well as an outdoor grill and gas fire pit. We are looking at opening sometime this summer,” Madden said.

Photo: courtesy Don Carter State Park