Campground dedicated to Bath murder victim

It was a low-slung cycle, its rider seated, propelled forward by the strength of the cyclist’s arms. If you ever saw such a vehicle — on Camp Leach Road, Hawkins Beach Road, U.S. Highway 264 near Bath — you likely had a passing interaction with Len Willson III.

In 2010, Willson was murdered by Arturo Lopez-Perez, who pleaded guilty to the crime on Feb. 28. But as of Saturday, with the installation of a plaque in Willson’s honor and the construction of a handicapped-accessible campground unveiled, his memory will live on in a place he spent many hours: Goose Creek State Park.

“His legacy will live on and be enjoyed by many, many visitors in the years to come,” said Walter Hawkins, president of Friends of Goose Creek State Park.

The seed of the idea was planted shortly after Willson’s death, as his family requested that donations be made to Friends of Goose Creek in lieu of flowers for his memorial service. Over $1,000 was collected when state park staff and the Friends’ executive board began to bounce a few ideas around — a water fountain, a bench — when the choice was made obvious: a group campground, one that would be accessible by able-bodied and disabled alike. Though Len Willson was a paraplegic, he never let his disability get in the way, especially when it came to enjoying nature, according to friends and family.

“He spent many, many hours here,” said Len’s sister, Kathryn Willson. “We thought (donations to the park) would be fitting.”

The newly completed campground has room for 10 tents and a picnic area with grills, but what makes it handicapped accessible is the paved and crushed stone pathways, a closer proximity to restrooms and a tent-pad that provides easy access to those who rely on their wheels.

Park Superintendent John Fullwood said Len Willson’s campground is one of several planned for the park, the first of which was designed and supervised by Park Ranger Joe Martin.

The Willson family came from Raleigh to attend Saturday’s ceremony, along with Len’s friends and neighbors. As the campground is situated under tall long-leaf pines, at a reception following the dedication, park staff gave away long-leaf seedlings to plant in honor of Willson.

“I though maybe they’d do a plaque in his honor, not something so established. This is wonderful,” said Kathryn Willson.