MCDOWELL COUNTY

PROPOSED

PROPOSED

PROJECT A.1 ACCESS AREA DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS

Seven (7) river miles and ten (10) reservoir miles of the Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail (UCRPT) are located within the Destination McDowell planning area (see Map 03: Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail - McDowell County, p. 57). This project addresses recommendations for improvements at four existing access areas and the development of two new access areas that will enhance the visitor experience and provide additional access to this extraordinary asset.

A.1.1 Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens Access Improvements

Located in the Pleasant Gardens community near Marion, the Greenlee Park paddle access features a river access with concrete steps, mile-long loop trail within the Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST) corridor, picnic pavilion, and horseshoe pits. An updated entrance sign will provide consistency with the UCRPT and FFST brands and a greenway extension will provide connectivity to the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway.

ACTION ITEMS: • Update the access entrance sign on Old Greenlee

Road with Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail and

Fonta Flora State Trail branding. • Continue development of the existing mile-long loop trail eastward and apply for designation as a section of the Fonta Flora State Trail. An extension of approximately 3,000 feet will connect the site to the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River

Greenway at Sam Phillips Drive off US Highway 70.

Existing Conditions: Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens