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Forsyth County is continuing to investigate the possibility of buying 216 acres from Duke Energy to create a park at Belews Lake.

Mike Anderson, the director of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, updated county commissioners on Thursday on the results of several community inquiries.

“We have the opportunity with 215 acres of land that joins Belews Lake to bring something unique to the community,” Anderson said.

In November, commissioners approved buying the land from Duke Energy for $640,000 and were given a one-year due diligence period to gauge community support, survey boundaries and complete environmental assessments. After that period, the county can decide whether to buy the land.

The county has held two public meetings, conducted an online survey and sent out more than 6,000 questionnaires to residents who live near the area.

Anderson summarized the results of that community input. The amenities that most people would like to see in the park including walking trails, natural areas, picnic shelters and a kayak/canoe launch. Some of the biggest concerns have to do with safety, an increase in trash, more boat traffic and lowered property values.