Water works: Family fun at ‘The Bullhole’
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Adults and children came out to enjoy the water at RiverPark in Cooleemee. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Water trickles over the stone dam. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Jason Swaim stands on a rock along the river. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Julie Johnson plays with her mom, Crystal Johnson. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Jennifer Bailey, Gracie Harsey, Cameron Bailey, and Jameson Bailey enjoy the water. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Kassandra Sperry (bottom) holds up Anna Frenzel so she can look at the turtles. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
Matt Bailey tries to get the hook out of the catfish's mouth. Bernadine Hernandez/SalisburyPost
Families found a place to play Tuesday at RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls, also known as “The Bullhole,” on the South Yadkin River.
Anna Frenzel plays in the water at RiverPark. Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
The nature park at an old dam offers hiking trails, swimming, picnicking, fishing and a shelter that can be rented.
The dam was built in connection with the old Erwin Cotton Mill.
The Bullhole name, one story goes, dates to when the Erwin Mill was being built at the turn of the 20th century. Oxen and mule teams were hauling timbers across the river, and an elderly man’s favorite bull ox was knocked off its feet in the churning water. The frantic owner watched his bull ox slip away and disappear into the river.
The park opened in 2003.
Photos by Bernadine Hernandez/Salisbury Post
