Photos: Shem Creek Park Opens

Hailed as the "crown jewel" of Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek Park officially opened this morning with a throng of schoolkids and community leaders standing by.

The $8.5 million project took nearly three years to plan and complete and involved contentious negotiations with the property's former owners that resulted in a lawsuit.

Today, Mayor Billy Swails said the network of boardwalks, docks and scenic overlooks justifies the cost.

"In 20 years — heck, even today — no one will question the cost," Swails said. "In 100 years, or even 20 years, people will still enjoy this park."

Shem Creek Park has roughly 2,500 square feet of dockspace and boardwalks that move pedestrians from dry land to Shem Creek. The town has also installed separate docks for commercial fishermen as well as recreational boaters.

The park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily.