Rankin Lake has been a community landmark for the citizens of Gastonia and Gaston County since its construction in 1922 on 242 City-owned acres as a reservoir to provide the City’s drinking water. Early work to the park by the depression-era Works Progress Administration helped to develop it as Gastonia’s second City park. Rankin Lake Park expanded public recreation in the area and was a favorite spot for family gatherings, picnicking, bank fishing, and other passive activities. To protect the lake as a first class water source, the City fenced off the lakeside part of the property in the late 1980s, which would then deny public access for more than twenty years. As the lake evolved into a secondary/emergency water source, and governing perceptions changed about public recreation on the lake, the park received the support and funding for a major renovation project that was completed in August 2012.
 
The park features a clubhouse with tables and chairs to accommodate group rentals, a “warming” kitchen, and restrooms; two lakeside, corporate picnic shelters; one large picnic shelter; eight small picnic shelters; an 18-hole disc golf course; two horseshoe courts; an outdoor classroom; trailhead and connector to the Highland Rail Trail of the greenway system; two boardwalks over Kaylor Creek; an approximately 80 acre lake with a 1.569 mile paved trail around the perimeter; wooden boardwalk over the lake spillway; two fishing piers; one viewing pier; a lake office to handle boat rentals (jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats) and fishing permits; and a restroom building.

 

 

Park Hours of Operation:  Dawn - Dusk, daily.
The clubhouse and picnic shelters may be rented by families, churches, companies or other groups for a variety of social and business functions.
The Administrative Office schedules clubhouse and shelter reservations for Rankin Lake Park.