EXHIBIT 04: MORE OPPORTUNITY AT MORSE PARK

Although a new master plan establishes a clear long-range vision for Morse Park, the immediate goal is to expand parking and advance the development of a new marina.

The vision for the Rutherford Bound Main Street Region is to expand on the foundation that has already been laid: historic, walkable Main Street communities with connectivity to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Purple Martin Greenway.

2.

MAIN STREETS TOURISM REGION

THE MAIN STREETS TOURISM REGION IS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO THREE DISTINCT TOURISM DISTRICTS:

1. Rutherfordton 2. Spindale 3. Forest City

These three historic Main Street communities serve as a haven for small business and culture that enhances community life for both visitors and locals. This region continues to successfully realize projects that are enhancing downtown life, expanding green space, and providing for greater connectivity to the Purple Martin Greenway and Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Collectively, these communities are realizing the Rutherford Bound vision: become the “trail towns capital” of Western North Carolina. The next phase of Rutherford Bound initiatives will no doubt further support this unfolding vision.

2.1 RUTHERFORDTON

The 2018 Rutherford Bound Master Plan calls for improvements to downtown Rutherfordton, including the redevelopment of Kiwanis Park (now complete), streetscape enhancements, expanded connectivity to the Purple Martin Greenway, and an addition to KidSenses children’s museum. Also, in 2021, the Rutherfordton Town Council voted to discontinue the town-owned golf course and developed a plan to repurpose the facility into a community park. Since 2018, Rutherfordton has made significant efforts to implement Rutherford Bound, including extending the Purple Martin Greenway, reducing blight, assisting with construction of KidSenses, completing conceptual master planning efforts for Norris Park and downtown, and, most profoundly, implementing Kiwanis Park. The redevelopment of Kiwanis Park represents a nearly $1 million new investment in downtown Rutherfordton (see Exhibit 05: Celebrating Success in Rutherfordton). This phase 1 Rutherford Bound project features a dog park, large open green, picnic shelter, restrooms, and an experiential playground that are all strategically located on the Purple Martin Greenway. The Town of Rutherfordton is building on its recent successes and, by 2025, expects to implement phase one of Norris Park and phase one of its downtown streetscape plan.