Last weekend, Lancaster County hosted the grand opening of Harper’s Creek Park and Working Waterfront Complex, a new public access site created through a public‑private partnership between Lancaster County and Stay the Course.

Located off of AntiPoison Creek at 459 Harpers Creek Drive, the park sits beside Still Kickin Seafood, a working waterfront business owned by Nathan Everett. County leaders noted the location is intentional — a nod to the site’s commercial heritage and its continued role in supporting local watermen.

The new complex is designed to serve both recreational visitors and the commercial watermen who have long relied on AntiPoison Creek. Assistant County Administrator John Bateman emphasized the dual intent.

AntiPoison Creek has historically been one of the most commercially viable waterways in the area, Bateman said. “This site provides watermen a place to conduct business and the general public a place for recreation.”

Under the agreement, Lancaster County secured a 50‑year lease for the boat ramp and fishing pier. The pier is licensed for salt‑water fishing, giving residents and visitors a new place to cast a line without having an individual fishing license — the second such opportunity the county has added in recent months. In the fall, officials cut the ribbon on Westland Beach and Fishing Pier nearby in Windmill Point.

Harper’s Creek features a comfort station and a parking lot designed to accommodate both vehicles and boat trailers.

Last month, Bateman noted that some land‑scaping and roadway improvements are still underway and are expected to be completed this spring. However, the site is now open and ready for public use.