Presbyterian Peninsula
The Presbyterian Peninsula is closed until further notice
due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Presbyterian Peninsula is leased from the U.S. Corps of Engineers and is maintained by First Presbyterian Church of Augusta for our members and their guests and for organized groups. The Peninsula provides a place for fellowship and relaxation as well as group meetings and retreats. We look to everyone to be good stewards of the property and to maintain proper decorum.
The Peninsula is available year-round for First Pres members and their guests and to non-member groups with approval.
6143 Ridge Road
Appling, GA 30802
The entrance to Presbyterian Peninsula is on the left and marked by a blue wooden sign. It is 2.6 miles from the intersection of Washington Road and Ridge Road just past the entrance to D.W. Oellerich Memorial Park.
To report non-urgent repair needs or other issues, email peninsula@firstpresaugusta.org or call the church office during business hours.
- Members may purchase a key annually from the church receptionist, and the money received is used to maintain the property. The church office is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Members must be 21 years or older to use a key, and keys are not transferable to non-members or people outside the immediate family.
- 55 acres with 2.3 miles of shoreline
- Swimming area with beach and changing rooms (see “Lifeguards”)
- Boat dock and ramp. The boat ramp is closed during summer holiday weekends for the safety of others using the property (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day).
- Clean restrooms with showers (see “Water”)
- Pavilion that includes:
- Kitchen with a refrigerator/freezer, stove and oven
- Lunchroom-type tables with seating for 48 - Field for sports (bring your own equipment)
- Playground and swings
- Picnic tables on the grounds
- Charcoal grills on the grounds
- A first aid kit is available in the Pavilion.
- Some basic equipment is in the Pavilion storage closet. Please return any items used to the closet.
- To use the water in the bathrooms and kitchen, you must turn on the water pump. The switch is on the outside of the small pump house.
- If you are the last person to leave the property, please check to make sure the pump is turned off.
- The pavilion may be reserved for large group functions with approval. First Pres members may reserve up to 12 months in advance, while outside groups can reserve up to 90 days in advance.
- Large group events may be held at the Peninsula with approval, but we never completely close the property to individuals or families. We notify the congregation when there is a large event scheduled, but individual members still have access to the property.
- A group may schedule a maximum of three weekend dates within a 90-day period, and no back-to-back weekend dates may be scheduled.
- Outside groups will be charged a usage fee based on group size and must present a certificate of insurance.
- Contact the church office for more information.
- The Peninsula does not have lifeguards on staff. Swimming is at your own risk. Never swim alone, and keep an eye on your children.
- A certified open-water lifeguard is required for group events that allow swimming or water activities for anyone under the age of 21. This applies to First Pres events and outside group events.
- The sponsoring group is responsible for hiring and ensuring the proper number of lifeguards are on duty.
Members
Key: $30*
Pavilion: $25 (If reserved)
*An additional charge of $5 will be added if prior year’s key is not returned.
Visitors
Key Deposit: $50*
Minimum Fee:
1-9 People: $50
10-25 People: $100
26-50 People: $150
51-100 People: $200
101+ People: $250
*Refunded with return of key and no damage.
General Rules
- Lock the Gates. The property is gated, and we ask that you lock the gates behind you as you enter and as you leave for your safety and the protection of the property.
- Sign the Register. This is a Corps requirement. One person of a group may sign for the entire group, noting the total number in the group. This information is used to validate the church’s lease.
- Trash Disposal. There is no regular garbage removal from the property. Please bring a garbage bag and clean up after yourself. The rule is very simple: if you bring it with you, take it home. Burning trash is not allowed.
- Pets. Pets must be on leashes at all times.
- Camping. Short-term camping is available for individual families. The maximum length of stay is seven days. Short-term camping is available for groups with approval.
- Boats. Boats cannot be tied to the dock overnight unless belonging to short-term campers during their stay. Dry storage is not allowed.
- Fires. Fires are only allowed in designated areas. Do not cut down trees for firewood. Only dead, fallen trees are available to burn per Corps rules.
- No alcoholic beverages, drugs, fireworks, firearms or smoking.
- No motorized watercraft allowed in swimming area.
- No diving allowed. It is never safe to dive into a body of water when you can’t see the bottom.
- Dress code. Appropriate dress is always required, including swimwear.
Other helpful information:
- Insects. Wasps, bees, yellow jackets, and hornets are native to our area. We recommend that you bring a can of flying insect spray with you, particularly if you are planning to use the pavilion or are staying overnight.
- Fishing. A Georgia or South Carolina fishing license is required for shore and boat fishing. Children 15 and younger may fish under the license of a parent who is with them.