Since 1977, Mecklenburg County has banned swimming at public parks on area lakes. The only public swimming beach near here has been Lake Norman State Park in Troutman. But the county commission voted this week to end that ban. It’s still not clear when swimming will return for those of us who don’t live on a lake front lot or in a private community. But the county commission vote is a good first step, The Charlotte Observer says in an editorial today.