The City of Rocky Mount recognizes the historic and cultural importance of shad and “rock” (striped bass) fishing in the Tar River near Battle Park.  The Rocky Mount Mills dam is the barrier that ends the migration of these fish species.  The Battle Park boat ramp is the last upstream boat ramp on the free-flowing Tar River, the next boat ramp is 16 river-miles downstream at Dunbar in Edgecombe County.

The 2023 spring run, the renovation of the boat ramp and fishing piers and the construction of the roundabout at the entrance of Battle Park Lane are all occurring at the same time.  To avoid closing the boat ramp or reducing public access to spring fishing within Battle Park and to maintain public safety through this construction period, the Parks & Recreation Department has developed the following plan for Battle Park spring 2023:

• Bank fishing will continue and has been made more accessible within Battle Park through the removal of invasive species such as privet and wisteria.
• Bank anglers may park at the Falls Road parking lot on the western end of the park or the former Animal Services office (1101 N Church St) on the eastern end of the park.
• The entire park remains accessible by the Rocky Mount Greenway.
• Bank anglers may not use Battle Park Lane for vehicle access or parking.
• No bank fishing will be allowed from the boat ramp.

• From February 1 – May 1, 2023 (or when the spring run ends, whichever occurs first) boats may be trailered on Battle Park Lane and immediately launched at the Battle Park boat ramp.
• The gate on Battle Park Lane will remain unlocked and open during this time.
• Vehicles and trailers must be parked on the north side (US 64 side) of Battle Park Lane.
• The boat ramp parking lot and the south shoulder of Battle Park Lane are closed as construction staging areas.
• Boat launch traffic must yield to contractors and construction as needed.
• Vehicles entering Battle Park Lane without a trailed boat will be considered trespassing.

Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for questions or concerns (252) 972-1151.