1: HOWARD KNOB PARK LOCATION

EXHIBIT: 1 HOWARD KNOB PARK LOCATION

Howard Knob Park is located just north of downtown Boone, NC. Visible from the Town’s Main Street, Howard Knob is a prominent and highly accessible asset.

CHAPTER 1 // INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Background History & Acquisition

Howard Knob is located in central Watauga County (2020 pop. = 54,086) in northwest North Carolina. The 5.7 acre park is located just north of the Town of Boone municipal boundary. Local leaders, particularly the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA), seek to revitalize Howard Knob Park as a means for strengthening regional recreation and tourism assets. Howard Knob Park is identified as a priority for redevelopment within the 2011 Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Master Plan and the 2017 Northern Peaks Trail Master Plan, both plans spearheaded by the WCTDA. Howard Knob Park is owned and managed by Watauga County Parks and Recreation. The 5.7acre site was previously owned by the federal government and was home to a NASA-managed experimental wind turbine. The wind turbine was dismantled in 1983 and the property was subsequently donated to Watauga County for a community park. Watauga County developed the passive park in the mid-80’s with modest facilities including a picnic shelter, viewing area, picnic tables, an open green, and parking area; today, many of these facilities have fallen into disrepair. Nevertheless, Howard Knob Park, with its unmatched views of downtown Boone and Appalachian State University, remains a popular destination for both tourists and local residents.

Howard Knob Park is identified as a priority for redevelopment within the ” 2011 Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Master Plan and the 2017 Northern Peaks Trail Master Plan. Howard Knob Park was previously owned by the federal government and was home to a NASA-managed experimental wind turbine. The wind turbine was dismantled in 1983 and the property was subsequently donated to Watauga County for a community park.

Photo courtesy of Winston Salem Journal