Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan by Destination by Design

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAIN MOUNTAINSS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS

MOUNTAIN REGION >>>

t o ry Tr a il

COUNTYWIDE CONNECTIONS >>> 221

ALT

V ic

d oa Br er Riv

RUTHERRUTHER- RUTH RUTH FORDTON FORDTON

Cr ee k

s Cree

SPINDALE SPINDALE

<<< MAIN ST. REGION

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

BOSTIC BOSTIC

ro ad

Ho lland

ond S ec

Purple Martin Greenway

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

erm

ALT

ek re C atheys C

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

tai n

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

Riv er

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

74 74

221

SPRING 2020

RUTHERFORD Bro ad R ive r

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

PARKS & RECREATION

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

M A S T E R

P L A N

RUTHERFORD

PARKS & RECREATION

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

M A S T E R

P L A N

RUTHERFORD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

P R O D U C E D F O R R U T H E R F O R D C O U N T Y, N C P R O D U C E D B Y DESTINATION BY DESIGN / 136 FURMAN RD., SUITE 6, BOONE, NC 28607

ACKNOWLE DGME N TS RUTHERFORD COUNTY STAFF Steve Garrison COUNTY MANAGER

Danny Searcy PLANNING DIRECTOR

Aubrey Clay PLANNING PROJECT MANAGER

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Bryan King CHAIRMAN

Michael Benfield

PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE Eddie Holland RUTHERFORD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Danny Searcy RUTHERFORD COUNTY PLANNING

Aubrey Clay RUTHERFORD COUNTY PLANNING

Terry Hines RHI LEGACY FOUNDATION COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Eddie Holland

Don Cason

Greg Lovelace COMMISSIONER

Alan Toney COMMISSIONER

REGION C AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Darren Lane RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS

Jerry Stensland RUTHERFORD OUTDOOR COALITION

Kim Warner CITIZEN

Jill Miracle

COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER

Laura Lynch

RUTHERFORD COUNTY TDA

Doug Barrick TOWN OF RUTHERFORDTON

Eddie Searcy TOWN OF SPINDALE, RECREATION

Amy Bridges TOWN OF FOREST CITY

Peter O’Leary CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE

Garrett Murphy TOWN OF LAKE LURE

Denver Buchanan TOWN OF RUTH

Mike Hollifield TOWN OF BOSTIC

Jim Rhyne TOWN OF ELLENBORO

Nell Bovender RUTHERFORD HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

“A special thank you to the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority and RHI Legacy Foundation for their support of this plan.”

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

TAB L E OF CON T E N TS CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 4

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

1 MULTI-USE SOCCER COMPLEX

2 PROJECT PURPOSE & GOALS

2 PADDLE TRAILS

3 PLANNING PROCESS

3 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

4 GREENWAYS & TRAILS

5 EXISTING COUNTY RECREATION FACILITIES

6 INDOOR AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTER

7 REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEMS

4 PLAN ORGANIZATION 06 CHAPTER 2

DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS

1 GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

2 DEMOGRAPHICS

3 PREVIOUS PLANS

4 RECREATION INVENTORY

1 GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

5 LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS

2 FUNDING PARTNERS

3 IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY

6 BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS 28

CHAPTER 5

IMPLEMENTATION 85

APPENDIX

CHAPTER 3

A RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY: MOUNTAIN REGION

1 RECREATIONAL NEEDS SURVEY

B RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY: MAIN STREET REGION

2 FOCUS GROUPS & INTERVIEWS

C RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY: COUNTYWIDE REGION

3 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

D BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS MATRIX: FACILITIES

4 PUBLIC INPUT MEETING

E BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS MATRIX: DEMOGAPHICS

101

F THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS MATRIX

102

G RECREATION NEEDS SURVEY

103

H FRANK WEST PARK LWCF AGREEMENT

137

I FRANK WEST PARK DEED

146

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

5 VISION 38

RECOMMENDATIONS 39

100

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N iii

L I ST OF MAP S 1 REGIONAL CONTEXT

PLANNING PROCESS TIMELINE

2 RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY: MOUNTAIN REGION

2 LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS MATRIX

3 RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY: MAIN STREET REGION

3 DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS SUMMARY

4 RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY: COUNTYWIDE REGION

4 MULTI-USE SOCCER COMPLEX CASE STUDIES

5 EXPLORING OPTIONS AT J.D. MELTON MEMORIAL PARK

6 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS PLANNING SECTIONS 56

6 ISOTHERMAL CC SOCCER FIELD REDEVELEOPMENT

7 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS: GILKEY

7 PADDLE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

8 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS: RUTHERFORDTON 58

8 DUKE ENERGY RIVER ACCESS @ HWY 221-A

9 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS: SPINDALE

9 HWY 221 RIVER ACCESS

10 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS: FOREST CITY

10 CREATING A RAIL TRAIL DESTINATION

11 GREENWAYS TRAIL ROUTES OVERVIEW

11 BOSTIC SPUR RAILROAD CORRIDOR

12 GREENWAYS & TRAILS: MAIN STREET REGION

12 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL NORTH EXTENSION

13 COUNTY-OWNED RECREATION FACILITIES

13 BROAD RIVER GREENWAY: GRAYS RD. TO COXE RD.

14 HICKORY NUT GORGE STATE TRAIL

14 BROAD RIVER GREENWAY: HWY 221 TO HWY 221-A

15 WILDERNESS GATEWAY STATE TRAIL

15 CONNECTING CLIFFSIDE

5 RUTHERFORD COUNTY PADDLE TRAILS

LI ST OF E XH I B I TS

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

16 ROCKY BROAD RIVERWALK AND LUREMONT TRAIL

17 BECHTLER MINT HISTORIC SITE PLAN

18 CHASE MIDDLE SCHOOL BALL FIELDS IMPROVEMENTS PLAN

19 AQUATIC FACILITY CASE STUDIES

20 INDOOR AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTER CONCEPT

21 LOCAL TRAIL SYSTEMS CASE STUDIES

22 “KEEP THE STORY ALIVE”

23 POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES

CHAPTER

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

he overarching goal of the 2006 Comprehensive Arts, Parks and Recreation Plan was to develop recreational opportunities to serve residents and visitors and act as a stimulus for economic development. Rutherford County leaders, with the support of the RHI Legacy Foundation and the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, continue to recognize the need for parks and recreation facilities and programming that support quality of life for their residents and attract visitors to their region.

IN THIS CHAPTER 1 PLAN BACKGROUND, PURPOSE, AND GOALS 2 PLANNING PROCESS 3 PLAN ORGANIZATION

The 2020 Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan outlines recreational infrastructure development and introduces strategic partnerships that will support a new vision for recreation in the County. This chapter provides the background and purpose of the plan and summarizes plan goals, process, and organization.

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Background The 2006 Rutherford County Comprehensive Arts, Parks and Recreation plan was the first comprehensive parks and recreation plan created for the County. Developed with the assistance of the Rutherford County Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee, plan recommendations included partnership building, staffing, facility development, and funding opportunities. Due to the economic downturn at the time, most of the recommendations outlined in the 2006 plan were not implemented. Since Rutherford County does not staff a dedicated Parks and Recreation Department, it relies primarily on municipal partners, schools, and non-profit organizations to provide recreational programming and facilities. The limited parks and recreation facilities that the County owns and manages are located throughout the County and challenge the capacity of current planning and maintenance department staff. The RHI Legacy Foundation understands parks and recreation facilities can improve the overall health and wellness of people living and working in the County and contribute significantly to quality of life. The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) recognizes that a high quality of life, healthy workforce, and well-developed recreational assets encourage economic development and attract tourists to the area as well. Continued partnerships with the municipalities, schools, and others are a necessity for residents in the County. In addition, a strong partnership between Rutherford County, TDA, and RHI Legacy Foundation will be necessary to continue to enhance and develop recreational assets countywide that support quality of life and tourism.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we build a better place to live, work, and play, we build a better place to visit.â&#x20AC;?

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Purpose The Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan establishes priorities for park and recreation facility development and ensures grant competitiveness by adhering to planning guidelines set forth by the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The Plan considers past planning efforts, existing recreational assets, community preferences, and public input to guide recommendations for future facility enhancements and development. This plan serves as a supplement to existing municipal plans and a road map for public parks and recreation in Rutherford County.

Goals Countywide Implications. Explore programming and facility opportunities within municipal and county boundaries that have countywide implications while not duplicating existing facilities and programs. County-owned Parks. Assess and provide recommendations for existing county-owned and managed park facilities.

Health. Improve health and fitness for community members by developing opportunities for accessible physical activity.

Natural Resources. Provide recreational opportunities that take advantage of and conserve valuable natural resources. Economic Development. Identify existing assets and propose new assets that have regional significance, economic impact, and tourism implications. Grant Funding. Ensure grant competitiveness by meeting PARTF planning requirements and guidelines.

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Planning Process The Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan process involved four (4) phases: PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

/// FE B R UA RY 2 01 9

/// M ARCH 2019 – A PR I L 2019

/// MAY 2019 – J U N E 2019

Project Launch & Direction Setting

Discovery & Analysis

Public Engagement

Final Plan

A thorough analysis of existing parks and recreation plans and a countywide inventory of existing parks and recreation facilities was conducted for a level of service (LOS) analysis based on recommendations set forth by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Benchmark communities were identified for comparison.

The consultant team engaged the public through a recreational needs survey, interviews with stakeholder focus groups identified during the discovery and analysis phase, steering committee which included community and local government leaders, and a public meeting for input on the draft plan.

Public comments on plan recommendations and general implementation guidelines were incorporated into the draft plan, and the final document was published.

y lm

13 6 6

ns olli

sin 67

c Ro

221

ite Wh

ve S im

Pearidg e

lub nC

A1 Ross Davis

Wa lke r Ho rn

Spin da le

West

Li n

M il l

tto Bo

m Key

Railroad

Park

Ma pl

ree k

RUTHERFORDTON

Ch ur

ta un

Hill

Pin e

Fly n

lem Church Sa

Canine

ll Wells M i

ley ag

B a ll

RUTH

Lee

ette db Le

Tay lor

r Pa

Vick ers

rs G pe

Cis

221

yR ock

er orn kC

c Ro

Cedar

ill

B1 Ch im

Shuping

s side

lan

l ria mo Me

e De

yse

Ch ur ch

Be th an y

A7 Birch

iry

rrill Ha

3 mi. Shiloh

Seven Oaks

1.5

e lac

le e

0.75

Caro

74 11 5

ranch

Low Bridg e

nta to

Pla

Lo n

Dog

Kin g

ati

s hin

221

Plan t

Hut c ch Bir

M c Da

Ch rove kG

h rc ALT

Bab er

Harmon

ol l

sa ea Pl

se t S un

t k Sis

221

tH ill

Ch u

Co xe

B12

C5 B11

Ri d

Cro

1916

ne y

ghway

FOREST CITY Riverside

mp Ca

Pi Carve

Kis er

Lake Davis

Wa l

Iris

C3 Oak St

Bridge

198 3

ain nt

ALT

u tter

E a st

Pilgri m

nec

B13

rry

High

Tom

Bo stic S un shi ne Hi

Gr a

n Va

Ch e

Lorem

B10 A6

lR ai Tr

Thermal Belt R ail T

Locu

il ra

Main

221

ie G r a ndv

Hudlow

Hill

ALT

w La k es

rid

La urel

Ast

Union

W il l o

BOSTIC

SPINDALE

A4 C8

e Joyc

A3 B5

Flin

i ew

Miller

1935

sM w re nd A

Bostic Suns hine

ak s ps o

Br oy

17 Iris

17 06

Spur

The consultant team met with the RCTDA, Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (IPDC), and county staff to discuss project purpose, goals, and specific recreational tourism infrastructure elements. A brief presentation providing an overview of the project and planning process was given to the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners.

Farm

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

PHASE 4 /// J ULY 2 01 9 – SEPT EMB ER 2 01 9

EXHIBIT 1

PLANNING PROCESS TIMELINE PHASE 1

/// F E B RUARY 2 01 9

Project Launch & Direction Setting

» Project Kick-off Meeting » Discussion with Local Leaders PHASE 2

/// MARC H 2 01 9 – AP RIL 2 01 9

Discovery and Analysis

» Existing Plan Review » Recreation Facility & Program Inventory » Level of Service Analysis » Benchmark Community Analysis PHASE 3

/// MAY 2 01 9 – JU NE 2 01 9

Public Engagement

» Steering Committee Meetings » Stakeholder Interviews » Public Meeting SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS

/// JU LY 2 01 9 – S E P T E MB E R 2 01 9

COUNTYWIDE CONNECTIONS >>> MOUNTAIN REGION >>>

221

ALT

V ict er Riv

H ol

land k s Cree

SPINDALE SPINDALE

Cr ee rn eg ho Cl

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

ro ad

BOSTIC BOSTIC

<<< MAIN ST. REGION

Purple Martin Greenway

d on S ec

» Incorporate Public Comments » Finalize Plan

RUTHERRUTHER- RUTH RUTH FORDTON FORDTON

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

erm

ALT

ek re C atheys C

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

ta in

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

d oa Br

Public engagement was a key part of the planning process.

Final Plan

ory Trail

PHASE 4

Riv er

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

221

RUTHERFORD Bro ad R ive r

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

PARKS & RECREATION

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

M A S T E R

P L A N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Plan Organization

H ol

k Cr ee rn ho

Catheys

Creek

RU T H

lla

30’

60’

S P I N DA L E

Th e r

HWY 221A

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

Bro ad R ive r

FOREST CITY GILKEY

SIGN

Riv er

mal

lt Be

ail Tr ail

RU T H E R F O R D T O N

120’

221

RIVER ACCESS

ro ad

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

PRO P TRAILER PARKING

BOSTIC BOSTIC

<<< MAIN ST. REGION ond S ec

KIOSK

land k s Cree

SPINDALE SPINDALE

Second Broad R iver

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

er Riv

Purple Martin Greenway

V ict d oa Br

RUTHERRUTHER- RUTH RUTH FORDTON FORDTON

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

erm

ALT

ek re C atheys C

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

ADA ACCESS TO GREENWAY

tain

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

OSE D

RIV

AIN

ODPL

Y R.

FLO

ALT

100

o ry Trail

MOUNTAIN REGION >>>

OA D

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS

COUNTYWIDE CONNECTIONS >>> 221

B ROAD RIV ER GREENW AY

The Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan is organized into five (5) chapters:

Broad Ri ver

0.75

1.5

3 mi.

C HAPTER 1

CH APT ER 2

C HA P T E R 3

C HA P T E R 4

CH APT ER 5

Introduction

Discovery & Analysis

Public Engagement

Recommendations

Implementation

This chapter outlines the plan’s background and purpose, goals, process, and organization.

This chapter examines previous plans and provides an extensive inventory of facilities and programming. This chapter also presents a level of service (LOS) and benchmark community analysis.

Chapter 3 highlights public input obtained from a recreational needs survey, steering committee meetings, focus group interviews, and a public meeting. The chapter concludes with an overarching vision for future parks and recreation development in Rutherford County.

This chapter outlines specific parks and recreation facility recommendations including proposed enhancements to existing facilities and plans and details pertaining to proposed new facilities.

The final chapter provides a summary of recommendations and priorities. This chapter also outlines potential funding sources.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

CHAPTER

2 T

DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS

his chapter examines geographic context, demographics, and past planning efforts. It also provides a focused analysis based on an inventory of existing facilities and programming, level of service standards set forth by the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA), and a Benchmark Community Analysis comparing Rutherford Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recreation services to those of similar counties.

IN THIS CHAPTER 1 GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT 2 DEMOGRAPHICS 3 PREVIOUS PLANS 4 RECREATION INVENTORY 5 RECREATION LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS 6 BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Geographic Context This section examines the Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geographic context and is organized according to three subsections: 1) Regional Context, 2) County Geography, and 3) Natural Resources.

REGIONAL CONTEXT Rutherford County lies within the North Carolina Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Area, a region designated by the U.S. Congress to recognize the unique character, culture, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills of Western North Carolina. The County is located in the foothills, between the mountains and piedmont of North Carolina, and is bordered to the south by the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently comprised of eight municipalities, Rutherford County also lies close to the metropolitan areas of Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

COUNTY GEOGRAPHY Three unique geographic areas exist within Rutherford County. The Mountain region includes Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. The Main Street region includes Rutherfordton, Spindale, Forest City and surrounding municipal areas, and the Countywide region includes the rural areas found throughout the County.

NATURAL RESOURCES Conserved public lands like Crowders Mountain and South Mountains State Parks, Kings M o u n t a i n National Military Park, Green River Gamelands, Pisgah National Forest, and Croft and Kings Mountain State Parks in South Carolina border and surround Rutherford County. Chimney Rock State Park and South Mountains Gamelands are found within Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s borders. The Broad and Second Broad Rivers provide natural corridors for greenways and paddle trails. These valuable lands and natural resources offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities and provide a natural playground for residents and visitors alike.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Demographics This section examines the demographics and recreation preferences of Rutherford County.

EDUCATION†

POPULATION Year

Rutherford County

North Carolina

1980

53,787

5,881,766

1990

56,918

6,628,637

2000

62,899

2010 2018 (estimate)

Level of Education Achieved

INCOME & EMPLOYMENT Percent of Population 25 Years & Over Rutherford County

North Carolina

High School Graduate or equivalent

32.4%

26.1%

8,049,313

Some College, No Degree

20.3%

21.7%

Additionally, Rutherford County has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, while the State of North Carolina has an unemployment rate

67,810

9,535,736

Associate’s Degree

11.3%

9.3%

of 4%.‡

66,826

10,383,620

Bachelor’s Degree

11.4%

19.2%

Graduate or Professional Degree

5.8%

10.6%

According to State demographers’ 2014 estimate, Rutherford County’s population growth rate is expected to remain flat through 2030.

30.00% 30.00%

Rutherford County

Percent of Population

25.00% 25.00%

20.00% 20.00%

North Carolina

15.00% 15.00%

10.00% 10.00%

5.00% 5.00%

19 20-29 19 years Years && 20 to 29 years Under under years

*U.S. Census Data †2013-2017 American Community Survey Estimate ‡ NC Department of Commerce

30-39 30 to 39 years years

40-49 40 to 49 years years

Age Group

50-59 50 to 59 years years

60 years 60 years and &over over

of $50,320.†

RACE & HISPANIC ORIGIN*

2010 POPULATION BY AGE GROUP*

0.00% 0.00%

Rutherford County’s median household income is $38,573, compared to the State of North Carolina’s median household income

Race & Hispanic Origin

Percent of 2010 Population Rutherford County North Carolina

White alone (not hispanic or latino)

85.9%

68.5%

Black or African American alone

10.1%

21.5%

American Indian & Alaska Native alone

0.3%

1.3%

Asian Alone

0.4%

2.2%

Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islander alone

0.0%

0.1%

Hispanic or Latino alone

3.5%

8.4%

Two or more races

1.8%

2.2%

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Previous Plans The consultant team reviewed comprehensive master plans and park site plans that addressed recreational facilities and programming throughout the County. Previous plans were organized according to three sub-regions: Mountain, Main Street, and Countywide. The Mountain Region includes Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village; the Main Street Region explores plans for the towns of Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Spindale; and the Countywide Region comprises the rural areas of the County. MOUNTAIN REGION LAKE LURE MORSE PARK SITE PLAN

LAKE LURE MORSE PARK BRIDGE CONCEPTUAL PLAN

2 0 17

20 14

The Morse Park Site Plan, developed in 2017, outlines the development of a multi-use pavilion, open-space green, amphitheater, play areas, and natural bank improvements to the lake.

The Morse Park Pedestrian Bridge Concept Plan was developed in 2014. The plan outlines a pedestrian bridge connecting Morse Park to Point of Rocks over the waters of Lake Lure.

MAIN STREET REGION SPINDALE PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN 2019

The Spindale Parks & Recreation Master Plan provides policy, facility, and programming recommendations for meeting the Town’s recreation needs. The plan recommends a pedestrian and bicycle network throughout town, a performing arts stage, amenity development along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, and expanding programming and partnership opportunities. 10

KIWANIS PARK MASTER PLAN 2019

The 2019 Kiwanis Park Master Plan serves as a guide for the redevelopment of Kiwanis Park in downtown Rutherfordton. Recommendations include a dog park, two open greens, picnic shelters, entrance plaza, playground, construction of walking paths and extension of the Purple Martin Greenway.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

LAKE LURE PARK, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE PLAN 2014

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK MASTER PLAN 2 01 1

The 2014 Lake Lure Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Plan recommends the development of a community park and recreation center, a pedestrian bridge at Morse park, development of trails at Buffalo Creek Park, and the Lake Lure Summits Trail.

The 2011 Chimney Rock State Park Master Plan has served as a guide for facility development and natural resource stewardhip. Among other improvements, the plan recommends significant alterations to traffic circulation, development of a visitor’s center, and trail realignment to better suit environmental conservation efforts.

RUTHERFORDTON PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

FOREST CITY PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

2018

2005, 2015

The Rutherfordton Parks and Recreation Master Plan, developed in 2018, outlines the Town’s recreation needs and future facility development. The plan recommends linking all Town facilities, and renovations to Crestview Park, the Rutherfordton Clubhouse, and the municipal golf course. A new park is recommended along the Purple Martin Greenway, southeast of Crestview Park.

The Forest City Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan, originally written in 2005 and updated in 2015, serves as a guide for park and recreation decision makers in Forest City. The plan outlines an inventory of current park facilities while recommending facility improvements, connectivity and funding sources.

COUNTYWIDE REGION THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL MASTER PLAN 2017

The 2017 Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) Master Plan outlines 16 enhancement areas along the TBRT. Enhancements vary across the trail’s geography, but focus on trailhead improvements, signage, additional recreation facilities, and connectivity improvements.

HONEYSUCKLE PARK SITE PLAN 2016

The 2016 Honeysuckle Park Site Plan recommends a walking trail system in the park’s wooded area and the development of a new teeball field, to replace the existing tennis courts.

FRANK WEST PARK SITE PLAN

CHASE MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAN

2010

2007

The 2010 Frank West Park Site Plan outlined improvements which included a widened drive and additional parking, restrooms, picnic shelter, playground, and screen plantings.

The 2007 Chase Middle School Ball Field Improvements Conceptual Master Plan provides for a new baseball and tennis court complex at the middle school. Proposed facilities are located on an undeveloped portion of the school’s property and include one adult baseball field, two little league fields, two tee-ball fields, restrooms, concession stand, two playgrounds, eight tennis courts, 0.3-mile walking trail, and a parking lot.

BIGGERSTAFF’S OLD FIELDS PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

BECHTLER MINT CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN

2013

2012

The Biggerstaff’s Old Field and Long Farmstead Preservation Master Plan outlines historic preservation recommendations for the two sites. The plan assesses the site and existing structures, providing recommendations for preservation and development as a Revolutionary War educational center.

The 2012 Bechtler Mint Conceptual Site Plan recommends multiple improvements to the site including entryway, signage, and parking lot enhancements; a pavilion; council circle; special events lawn; historic home and mint site facilities; improvements to the Bechtler Mine entrance; interpretive trail and walking loop; visitors center and retail; and picnic areas.

RUTHERFORD COMPREHENSIVE ARTS, PARKS & RECREATION PLAN 2005/2006

The Rutherford Comprehensive Arts, Parks, and Recreation Plan recommends the formation of a non-profit cultural coalition for arts programming and the development of an arts center, outdoor amphitheater, soccer complex, and increased staffing and maintenance. Additionally, the plan recommends development of various outdoor recreation facilities. R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N

Recreation Inventory This section presents an inventory of recreation facilities and programming provided and managed by schools, municipalities, communities, county, state, and private agencies and organizations within Rutherford County. Facilities are organized by sub-region: Mountain, Main Street, and Countywide. Inventory maps for each sub-region further divide facilities into the following categories: school, active, and passive recreation. This section also provides a brief description of programming offered within the County.

FACILITIES MOUNTAI N REGIO N CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK (B1)

ROCKY BROAD RIVER WALK (B2)

CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE RIVERSIDE PARK (B3)

Chimney Rock State Park is located adjacent to downtown Chimney Rock Village. The 6,800-acre park is managed by the NC parks system and features 1.2 miles of public hiking trails with views of the surrounding area and Hickory Nut Falls.

The Rocky Broad River Walk (or Chimney Rock River Walk) is a 0.33-mile long trail located in downtown Chimney Rock Village between the Rocky Broad River and businesses on Main Street.

The Chimney Rock Village Riverside Park is located between Main Street and the Rocky Broad River on the east side of downtown Chimney Rock Village. The park features fishing and viewing areas along the Rocky Broad River and provides free parking for downtown Chimney Rock Village visitors.

Chimney Rock Management, LLC, operates the Chimney Rock attraction section of the greater Chimney Rock State Park through a unique public-private partnership. Trails (3.8 miles) and facilities within the attraction require an admission fee.

The River Walk offers easy access to dining, mini-golf, and gem mining along the Rocky Broad River. A planned extension of the River Walk will connect it to the Lake Lure Town Center Walkway.

Rocky Broad River Walk

Chimney Rock State Park

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

ffa

Cre

KEY: MOUNTAIN REGION

Pop Ta t a

ar Bl

P ie r P o in t

Cha rlotte

Doc

C2!( t ice

Tr yo n Bay

Jus

ee Cr ol

ek C re

A1 ( !

1 mi.

Pea

0.5

Isla

B8!(

Cane

Leg

reek R E CR E AT ION FACIL IT Y I N V ECN T O RY: M O U N TA I N R EGION end

Su nri se

///

cr e

R id g

l Hil

L u re

Cli

ek Cre

p G ir ls C am

MAP 2

k s id

H o lm e

LAKE LURE

nW ilso

Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park

Buffalo Creek Park and Trails

L a u re

l Lak es

Easy

oan

ls oa Sh s Nes t H aw k

y ne

s on

Firefly

r ov dy G

vie

Fisher

r e te Ke

Washburn

k ee Cr ll Fa

Me mo rial

Sha

n ey

S e to n

gle

s ke

Lake Lure Beach and Water Park

Kn oll

W h it

rri

a rd

Vill a g e Shore S u g a rbu sh

A ng le r

Ridge

( !

rina

B7!(

pel

Buzz

C1!( B6!(

( ! B1

Cha

B4!(

G a rd

Cam

c in

B oy s

B3!(

130

Te rra c e

Lake Lure Town Center WalkwayR

u La

( ! B2

Swee tmint Ct

er C ity

( !

Silv

Morse Park

Ta n

ian

Woodl and

sap

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

ilke rs o n

Fly nn

Lill

Chimney Rock Village Riverside Park

Win e

lan

lo f fa

ood

D a lto n

i ew

Rocky Broad River Walk

End

t Hi

ol Bl ue Bi rd D o gw

llv

h Ta

Tra ce

Le e

h ut

Chimney Rock State Park

rma

B1 B2

an M a th o

H un tin gt

Big Roc k

C ardi na l

irw

PASSIVE RECREATION

ACTIVE RECREATION Ral eigh

Ch ale t

Buffalo Creek

For k

Lake Lure Classical Academy

e xD

B a n jo

Yo u n g s C r e e k

A1 nk

W al

S u m m it

SCHOOL FACILITIES

la r

( ! B9

Washburn Marina

ek Bills Cre

Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course

Bald Mountain Golf Course

Apple Valley Golf Course

ill

FACILITIES (CONTINUED) M OUNTAI N R EGIO N (CON T IN UE D) LAKE LURE FLOWERING BRIDGE (B4) The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is located near downtown Lake Lure close to Lake Lure’s border with Chimney Rock Village. From 1925 to 2011, the bridge served vehicular traffic as a part of US64/74A/NC9. In 2011, the bridge was turned over to the Town of Lake Lure to create a pedestrian bridge with a community garden. The Flowering Bridge is owned by the town but managed through the town’s Flowering Bridge Board and maintained by volunteer gardeners.

MORSE PARK (B5) Morse Park is located in downtown Lake Lure, adjacent to the Lake Lure Municipal Center and the Washburn Marina. The park features a 0.72 mile trail system, one basketball court, two tennis courts, a playground, four picnic shelters, a gazebo, gardens, restrooms, wooded wetlands, and large pond for wildlife viewing and birding. The park is a popular site for outdoor weddings and is connected to Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge and Beach and Water Park via the Town Center Walkway.

BUFFALO CREEK PARK & TRAILS (B9)

The Lake Lure Beach and Water Park is located along US64/74A in downtown Lake Lure. The park features a sandy beach with partitioned swimming area, picnic shelter, beach, water park, and playground. The park is owned by the Town of Lake Lure and managed by contractual agreement with a private company, Lake Lure Tours.

Buffalo Creek Park is located in Lake Lure along Buffalo Creek Road. The park features 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking frontcountry and backcountry trails including the Weed Patch Mountain Trail. The park was conserved through multiple local and regional partnerships and is one of North Carolina’s largest town-owned parks.

The beach and park are open seasonally. The facility charges an age-based admissions fee for patrons who do not own property in Lake Lure.

WASHBURN MARINA (C1)

LAKE LURE TOWN CENTER WALKWAY (B6)

DITTMER-WATTS NATURE TRAIL PARK (B8)

The Lake Lure Town Center Walkway extends for 0.75 miles between the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge and Jack London Road. The walkway features an elevated boardwalk system between the Lake Lure Beach and Marina. The walkway connects the Lake Lure Beach, Washburn Marina, and Morse Park.

The Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park is located along NC Hwy 9, south of US64/74A in Lake Lure. The park encompasses ten interconnecting trails totaling 3.30 miles and features a trail head with a gravel parking area for approximately 20 vehicles. Benches, picnic areas, and a covered picnic shelter are located along the trail system.

Weed Patch Mountain Trail 14

LAKE LURE BEACH & WATER PARK (B7)

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

The Washburn Marina is located in downtown Lake Lure, adjacent to Morse Park. The marina is owned by the Town of Lake Lure, but operated by a private company. The marina features a variety of fee-based recreational opportunities including a boat launch, boat fueling station, tour boat excursion, boat slips with electricity, canoe/kayak/boat rentals, and picnic tables.

LAKE LURE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE (C2) The Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole course located in Lake Lure, NC. The course is located in the Hickory Nut Gorge, offering significant views of surrounding natural assets. RUMBLING BALD RESORT GOLF COURSES (C3 & C4; PRIVATE) The Rumbling Bald Resort is located in Lake Lure and features two private 18-hole golf courses. The two courses feature mountain views and a challenge for all skill levels.

Lake Lure Marina, Town Center Walkway, Beach, and Water Park

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 5

FACILITIES (CONTINUED) MAI N STREET REGIO N ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (A5)

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL (B1)

Isothermal Community College (ICC) is located in Spindale along College Avenue. ICC provides multiple recreation amenities used by Rutherford County residents, including an indoor pool, soccer fields, tennis courts, disc golf course, and 3.3 miles of natural surface trail. Rutherford County school and youth swim teams use the pool for practice and competition. The Rutherford County Soccer Association uses the soccer fields for practice and competition. There are no written facility-use agreements between ICC and these various organized recreation user groups.

The Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) is a 13.5-mile paved multi-use path that stretches from Gilkey to Forest City. Five local governments own portions of the trail and serve as trail partners: Town of Forest City, Town of Spindale, Town of Rutherfordton, Town of Ruth, and Rutherford County. The TBRT is accessible through multiple trail heads, including Forrest Hunt Elementary, Pavilion on Park Square, Pine St. in Forest City, Main Street in Spindale, Railroad Avenue in Ruth, Gilkey, and the Bechtler Mint site.

ICC Soccer Fields

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

KIWANIS PARK (B2)

SECOND STREET PARK (B4)

Kiwanis Park is a large, passive park located at the intersection of Main Street and Green Street in downtown Rutherfordton. The 3.7acre park features a playground, pedestrian bridge, and several picnic tables. In 2019, the Town of Rutherfordton completed a site master plan for Kiwanis Park that includes a dog park, new signage, picnic shelters, walking paths, a natural playground, and revitalized entry area.

Second Street Park is a small neighborhood park located off of East Second Street in Rutherfordton along Recreation Street. It contains one basketball court, a playground, and multiple benches.

MAIN STREET PARK (B3) Main Street Park is located in downtown Rutherfordton between Central Street and Main Street. The park features concrete picnic tables, benches, brick planters, metal arches and information kiosks. Main Street Park is often the location of outdoor music performances during Rutherfordton special events.

CRESTVIEW PARK (B5) Crestview Park is the Town of Rutherfordtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest park. It serves Rutherfordtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s active recreation needs with 5 baseball fields, a walking path, concession stand with bathrooms, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, and one large multipurpose field. Crestview also has free public Wi-Fi, a large parking lot, two picnic shelters, and two playgrounds.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

17 06

y lm

13 6 6

FOREST CITY

ne y

Co xe

221

lan

h rc

yse

ALT

Ch ur ch

Be th an y

Birch

iry

///

R ECR EAT ION FAC IL IT Y I N V E N T O RY: M A I N S T R E E T R E GION Shiloh

A7 rrill Ha

3 mi.

1.5

le e

e lac

0.75

74 11 5

Low Bridg e

n Pi

ranch

MAP 3

e gg

nta to

Lo n

io n t at

s hin

Pla

Hut c ch Bir

221

de M c Da

Caro

Bab er

Fli

Kis er

ol l

e De

Ch rove kG

Ch u

sa ea Pl

l ria mo Me se t S un

tH ill

i ew

B12

C5 B11

Ri d

Harmon

Far Seven Oaks

1935

Pi Carv er

Riverside

mp Ca

Oak St

Iris

Tom

1916

Lake Davis

E a st

Cro

Wa l

u tter

B13

High

ALT

rry

198 3

nec

Bridge

Pilgri m

sk Si

n Va

ie G r a ndv

st ic

Hudlow

lR ai Tr

hway Bo stic S un shi ne Hig

ain

Lorem

B10 A6

u Loc

Thermal Belt R ail T il ra

Main

221

Park

Spin da le

lH ure La

trid As

Unio

ALT

n Fly n Ma pl

ill

A4 C8

ce Joy

SPINDALE

alk er Park JD Melton Memorial M il l B9 Fairground Road Walking Trail B10 Charles R. Summey II Park B11 Hardin Road Park BOSTIC B12 Forest City Pavilion on Park Square B13 James F. Crowe Park

y Ke

Hill

Railroad

B4 A3

Kin g

Ch ur ch

Li n

Plan

lub nC

ta un

Thermal Belt Rail Trail Ho rn Kiwanis Park m Main Street Park Second Street Park Crestview Park Purple Martin Greenway Charles Deviney Park tto Bo

Wes t

ette db Le

k es

PASSIVE RECREATION

Davis

Ross

RUTHERFORDTON

ree k

ll Wells M i

ve S im

r Pa

Shuping

rs Vick e

rs G

Rutherfordton Clubhouse Forest City Clubhouse Forest City Municipal Golf Course m Ch urch le Sa Callison Recreation Center Old Dunbar Community Center Cool Springs Recreation Center McNair Field Pin e Spindale House y

B a ll

RUTH

Miller

yR ock

221

or kC

o sc Ci

c Ro

Ch im

r Ceda

ill

Bostic Su nshine

ides ites Wh

Ch e

ps o

221

c Ro

sM w re nd A

Trinity School R-S Middle School A3 Spindale Elementary School A4 Carver Center A5 Isothermal Community College Canine ley ag A6 Forest City Dunbar Elementary Lee School A7 Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy A8 Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School A2

Pearidg e

ak s

ns olli

sin

ACTIVE RECREATION

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Br oy

Iris

KEY: MAIN STREET REGION

FACILITIES (CONTINUED) M AI N STREET R EGIO N (CON T IN UE D) PURPLE MARTIN GREENWAY (B6)

JD MELTON MEMORIAL PARK (B8)

CHARLES R. SUMMEY II PARK (B10)

FOREST CITY PAVILION ON PAK SQUARE (B12)

The Purple Martin Greenway is located in and owned by the Town of Rutherfordton. Currently, the greenway trail extends north from the Rutherfordton Water Treatment Plant for 1.2 miles. Upon completion, the greenway will total 2.6 miles and connect to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Kiwanis Park.

JD Melton Memorial Park (also referred to as the Old Police Club Park) is located off Ledbetter Road in the northeast corner of Spindale town limits. The park is owned and operated by the Town of Spindale and contains one large baseball field and one small baseball field with scoreboards and a bathroom facility.

CHARLES DEVINEY PARK (B7)

FAIRGROUND ROAD WALKING TRAIL (B9)

Summey Park is located along Vance Street in Forest City. The park was constructed in partnership with Rutherford County Schools and contains Forest City Dunbar Elementary School in the middle of the property. The park features two large baseball fields, three multipurpose fields, four picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, and a 0.25-mile walking track. Forest City Little League uses Summey Park for practice and league play.

The Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) was constructed in 2018 and opened in 2019. It is located south of Main Street in Forest City in front of the old Florence Mill Site and adjacent to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. POPS is also next to the Rutherford County Farmers Market. The park features a large outdoor pavilion for music and other outdoor performances and two splash pads.

Charles Deviney Park is located on Greer Street in Spindale. The park is located inside of a residential area, but is owned and operated by the Town of Spindale. The park features two playgrounds, two picnic shelters, three tennis courts, one basketball court, and bathrooms.

The Fairground Road Walking Trail, also referred to as the Rutherford County Walking Path, is located near multiple Rutherford County office buildings along Fairground Road. The trail loops between CallahanKoon Road and Fairground Road, totaling 0.5 miles. A public garden and outdoor fitness area are located along the trail.

HARDIN ROAD PARK (B11) Hardin Road Park is a small neighborhood park located along Hardin Road in Forest City. The park is adjacent to a water tower and the Dunbar Community Center. The park contains one basketball court, bathrooms, a large picnic shelter, and three playgrounds.

The Main Street Region features a variety of active and passive recreation facilities that serve citizens throughout Rutherford County. JD Melton Memorial Park

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Purple Martin Greenway

JAMES F. CROWE PARK (B13) Crowe Park is a large park facility located in Forest City between Cherry Mountain Street and Flack Road. It is owned by the Town of Forest City and operated by the Forest City Parks and Recreation Department. It contains two large baseball fields, one small baseball field, seven picnic shelters, two playgrounds, and bathrooms. The park totals approximately 80 acres and is bordered by the Second Broad River. RUTHERFORDTON CLUBHOUSE (C1) The Rutherfordton Clubhouse is located in Rutherfordton on Clubhouse Drive and is owned and operated by the Town. The property features a community center (clubhouse), a large yard and two former tennis courts. FOREST CITY CLUBHOUSE (C2) The Forest City Clubhouse is a community center located on the Forest City Municipal Golf Course property. It is owned and operated by the Town of Forest City.

FOREST CITY MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE (C3)

OLD DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER (C5)

The Forest City Municipal Golf Course is located in Forest City along Clay Street adjacent to Callison Recreation Center. It is a 9-hole, public golf course with a pro-shop and clubhouse. There is a small pond with a fountain in the middle of the golf course and a small park area south of the clubhouse with a picnic shelter and fireplaces (referred to as Spring House Park).

The Old Dunbar Community Center is a large indoor community center in Forest City on Hardin Road. The community center contains the African American Heritage Museum which provides information depicting the evolution of AfroAmerican historical heritage and culture through reading materials, pamphlets, maps, books, and other materials of interest. The museum houses displays of artifacts, crafts, and Afro-American art featuring artists and writers in the county. There is also a large baseball field on the property.

CALLISON RECREATION CENTER & CLAY STREET POOL (C4) Callison Recreation Center is a large facility located on Clay Street in Forest City. The property adjoins the Forest City Municipal Golf Course. The recreation center features offices, a gym with multiple basketball courts, a fitness room, six tennis courts, and an outdoor swimming pool (Clay Street Pool). The Clay Street Pool is used by the Forest City Swim Team and hosts swim lessons in the summer. The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is adjacent to the recreation centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parking lot.

COOL SPRINGS RECREATION CENTER (C6) Cool Springs Recreation Center (Cool Springs Gym) is located on West Main Street in Forest City next to the Rutherford County Schools administrative offices. This indoor gym is used for Forest City Parks and Recreation adult and youth basketball programs.

MCNAIR FIELD (C7) McNair Field is a baseball stadium located along McNair Drive in Forest City north of West Main Street. The facility features a press box, two separate food areas, a beer garden, parking, a scoreboard, and seating for over 1,500 (556 reserved seats, 1,000+ general admission seats). McNair Field is home to the Forest City Owls, a Minor League Baseball Team in the Coastal Plain League. SPINDALE HOUSE (C8) The Spindale House is a recreation and community center located in downtown Spindale. The facility features one basketball court, a weight room, game room, senior meeting room, multipurpose meeting room, a history room, restrooms, locker rooms, a playground, gazebo, front lawn, and a town council chamber. The Spindale House is used for Town Commissioner Meetings, local group activities, and team sports.

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 9

FACILITIES (CONTINUED) CO UNTYWI DE R EGIO N BECHTLER MINT HISTORIC SITE (B1) The Bechtler Mint Historic Site is located on Gilboa Church Road along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail north of Rutherfordton. The park celebrates Christopher Bechtler of Rutherfordton who minted the country’s first one dollar gold coin at the site. During the mid-1800’s, the Bechtler’s minted more than $2.24 million in gold coins. The site features a small walking trail, interpretive exhibits, sheltered benches, and the original Becthler gold mine. LINDER PARK (B3) Linder Park is located on the site of the old Harris School in the Harris community in southern Rutherford County. The 14.9-acre park features four ball fields, a concession stand, restrooms, and a gym building. The park formerly hosted Chase Little League but now receives little use. Portions of two baseball fields are located on private property.

FRANK WEST PARK (B4) Frank West Park is located along Boss Moore Road in Caroleen. The park features two tennis courts, a basketball court, fishing pond, walking loop, picnic shelters, a large baseball field, and a playground. HONEYSUCKLE PARK (B5) Honeysuckle Park is located along NC-120 in Cliffside. The park contains two small baseball fields, one large baseball field, a playground, picnic shelter, parking lot, concession stand, and two tennis courts. Chase Little League uses Honeysuckle park for practice and league play.

Old Harris School Gym at Linder Park

Frank West Park 20 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS B9

C5 221

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

d oa Br

PASSIVE RECREATION B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9

Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park Thermal Belt Rail Trail Linder Park Frank West Park Honeysuckle Park 26 Max Gunter Park Ellenboro Town Park Biggerstaff’s Hanging Tree Site South Mountains Game Lands

lland k s Cree

SPINDALE SPINDALE

C1 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 B8

Bill’s Creek Community Center Whitehouse Community Center Green Hill Community Center Gilkey School Community Center Union Mills Learning Center Mt. Vernon Community Clubhouse Golden Valley Community Club Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club

BOSTIC BOSTIC

A12

A11

A10

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

ro ad

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

Riv er

ACTIVE RECREATION C2

Purple Martin Greenway

Cr ee

A13

A12

RUTH RUTH

A11

A10

A3 C6

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Cliffside Elementary School East Rutherford High School Ellenboro Elementary School East Rutherford Middle School Sunshine Elementary School

RUTHERFORDTON RUTHERFORDTON

ond S ec

er Riv

SCHOOL FACILITIES A2

74 221

B4 A8

B3 Bro ad R ive r

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

MAP 4

///

Car

A13

ek re C athey s C

ALT

KEY: COUNTYWIDE REGION Pinnacle Elementary School R-S Central High School Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary School Rutherfordton Elementary School Harris Elementary School Chase Middle School Chase High School

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

e rm ou n

C4 LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

tain

ALT

V ict o ry Trail

R E CR E AT ION FAC IL IT Y I N V E N T O RY: C O U N T YW I D E R E GION

FACILITIES (CONTINUED) COUNTYWI D E R EGIO N (CON T IN UE D) MAX GUNTER PARK (B6) Max Gunter Park is a community park located in the center of Bostic along Carson Street. It contains a large picnic shelter, green space, restrooms, and a playground. ELLENBORO TOWN PARK (B7) The Ellenboro Town Park is located behind Ellenboro Town Hall between Main Street and Depot Street in Ellenboro. The Ellenboro Town Park is also referred to as the “Maxine Romney Memorial Park.” It contains open space for outdoor games and a playground that was installed in August, 2018.

BIGGERSTAFF HANGING TREE SITE (B8)

BILLS CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER (C1)

GREEN HILL COMMUNITY CENTER (C3)

The Biggerstaff Historic Hanging Tree Site is located on Whitesides Road near the Sunshine community. The on-site historic marker reads “Returning from the Battle of Kings Mountain, the victorious ‘Overmountain Victory Men’ hung nine of the captured Tories from a tree near this spot October 14, 1780.” The historic site features a parking lot trailhead, 0.17-mile nature trail, barn, and the historic Long Home. Both the barn and Long Home are in poor condition. The site is open by request only and is largely used for educational field trips.

The Bills Creek Community Center is located northeast of Lake Lure in the Bills Creek Community. The property features a community center building, large baseball field, large picnic shelter, and playground.

Green Hill Community Center is located on US Hwy 64/74A northwest of Rutherfordton in the Green Hill Community. The community center is also the American Legion Post 74. In addition to the community center building is a large baseball field and a veteran’s memorial.

WHITEHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER (C2) The Whitehouse Community Center is located in northern Rutherford County in Union Mills. The property features a community center, a large baseball field, a 0.2-mile loop trail, and a tennis court.

GILKEY SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTER (C4) The Gilkey School Community Center is located in Gilkey and features a gym, community center, and large multipurpose field. The facility is housed within the former Gilkey Elementary School buildings.

The Countywide Region features a variety of historical and community recreation resources.

Honeysuckle Park 22

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

UNION MILLS LEARNING CENTER (C5)

MT. VERNON COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE (C6)

Union Mills Learning Center is a large community center located on Hudlow Road in Union Mills. The property features a community center, large baseball field, and a gazebo. Half of the baseball field is located on an adjacent parcel owned by Round Hill Baptist Church.

Mt. Vernon Community Clubhouse is an indoor community center located between Hudlow Road and Mt. Vernon Cemetery Road, northeast of Rutherfordton. This clubhouse is across the street from a large baseball field owned by Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

GOLDEN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (C7)

CLEGHORN GOLF & SPORTS CLUB (C8; PRIVATE)

Golden Valley Community Center

The Cleghorn Plantation Golf

in northeast Rutherford County. On the property in addition to the community center building is a large parking lot and large yard that serves as a multipurpose field.

hole course features significant natural views.

and Sports Club is located south is located along Jonestown Road BIGGERSTAFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OLD FIELDS & LONG FARMST of Rutherfordton along Coxe close to Hwy 74. The 18Rutherford County,Road North Carolina

PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN June 2013

Bechtler Mint Historic Site

Long Home at Biggertaff Hanging Tree Site

Prepared by

Phase I Archaeological Survey by

117 Hazel Street, Hendersonville NC 28739

Archaeological & Historical Services

THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 23 JOHN HORTON |R UARCHITECT Kenneth W. Robinson, Archaeologis

PROGRAMMING RUTHERFORDTON RAIDERS FOOTBALL

SPINDALE YOUTH BASKETBALL

The Rutherfordton Raiders Football program is operated by a volunteer board of directors and includes cheerleading. The team practices at Crestview Park in Rutherfordton and plays at RS Middle and RS Central High Schools.

The Spindale Parks and Recreation Department operates a summer youth basketball camp and a youth basketball league each December - February.

The Forest City Swim Team is a co-sponsored program of the Forest City Parks and Recreation Department and uses the Clay Street Pool for their home meets during the summer season.

SPINDALE ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE

FOREST CITY SUMMER GOLF CAMP

RUTHERFORDTON LITTLE LEAGUE

The Town of Spindale Parks and Recreation Department operates an adult softball league that runs from June to August. The team plays and practices at JD Melton Memorial Park in Spindale.

The Forest City Summer Golf Camp is hosted annually at the Forest City Municipal Golf Course. The camp is operated by volunteers in coordination with Forest City Parks and Recreation.

FOREST CITY LITTLE LEAGUE

FOREST CITY YOUTH FOOTBALL

Rutherfordton Little League is operated by a volunteer board of directors and plays at Crestview Park in Rutherfordton. This program offers both spring and fall leagues. SPINDALE VOLLEYBALL CLUB The Spindale Volleyball club is an adult recreation league operated by the Spindale Parks and Recreation Department. The club plays in the Spindale House gym.

This program is co-sponsored by Forest City Parks and Recreation and is operated by a volunteer board of directors. The league encompasses tee ball through senior league teams for boys and girls and utilizes Summey Park in Forest City.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

FOREST CITY SWIM TEAM

This program is co-sponsored by Forest City Parks and Recreation and operated by a volunteer board of directors. The local organization is a Pop Warner league, with age and weight limits. Youth ages 7-15 are eligible to participate in football and cheerleading squads.

FOREST CITY RECREATION LEAGUE BASKETBALL This youth league, operated by Forest City Parks and Recreation, plays at Callison Recreation Center and Cool Springs Gym in Forest City. There are youth and adult basketball leagues offered throughout the year. CHASE LITTLE LEAGUE Chase Little League is operated by a volunteer board of directors. This program is based at Honeysuckle Park in Cliffside.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY SOCCER ASSOCIATION

RUTHERFORD COUNTY SWIM TEAM

The Rutherford County Soccer Association (RCSA) is operated by a volunteer board of directors and offers soccer division U4-U14. Teams typically practice and play at Isothermal Community College for the fall and spring season though no formal facility-use agreement exists between the two entities.

The Rutherford County Swim Team (RCST) is a parent-run USA Swimming affiliated swim team. RCST provides short-course and long-course swim season programming. The swim team primarily uses the Isothermal Community College pool for practice and competition, though no formal facility-use agreement exists between the two entities.

Honeysuckle Park Ball Fields

SENIOR ACTIVITIES The Town of Forest City and the Town of Spindale have senior recreation clubs. Additionally, the Rutherford County Senior Center regularly hosts recreational activities designed for senior citizens.

Isothermal Community College Pool

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 25

Level of Service & Gap Analysis Rutherford County meets and exceeds almost all service standards set forth by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) when considering all parks and recreation facilities within the County. The level of service (LOS) and gap analysis compares the number of each facility type to standards based on population Facilities included in the LOS and gap analysis (see Exhibit 2) were organized according to the following categories: County, Town, School, Private, and Other Public Facilities. The LOS analysis does not consider facility conditions.

LOS ANALYS IS SUMMARY

“ With these factors in mind, the LOS analysis highlights the

Although recreation services in the County meet and exceed almost all service standards, some deficits do exist. While dog parks, skateboard parks, and picnic shelters showed a small gap, playgrounds exhibited the most significant service gap.

» Playgrounds » A centralized multi-sports complex

17 06

Roc

221

ides ites Wh

Shuping

Vicker s

ve S im Da

Pearidg e

Ross

Davis

Ho rn

Spin da le

West

Li n

M il l

tto Bo

y Ke

Wa lke r

Railroad

Park

Ma pl

ree k

RUTHERFORDTON

Ch ur

Fly n

ta un

lub nC

Hill

Pin e

FOREST CITY

e De

yse

Ch ur ch Be th an y

A7 Birch

rrill Ha

3 mi.

1.5

le e

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

iry

Parks and recreation facilities are highly concentrated in the Main Street Region Shiloh

e lac

Caro

0.75

11 5

Low Bridg e

ranch

ett

nta to

221

Pla

s hin

1916

u Ch rove kG

h rc

Lo n

on ati Plan t Kin g

Hut c ch Bir

M c Da

Lake Davis

l ria mo Me

ol l

sa ea Pl

se t Sun

Bab er

Harmon

Pilgri m

B12

land

tH ill

t k Sis

Ch u

Cox e

221

Kis er

st Bo

ain nt

Bridge

Wa l

C5 B11

Ri d

Riverside

mp Ca

ne y

E a st

s Cros

Iris

C3 Oak St

Pi r

B13

198 3

Carve

hway Bo stic S un shi ne Hig

u tter

rry

High

nec

ALT

Tom

n Va

ie G r a ndv

Ch e

Lorem

B10 A6

lR ai Tr

st Locu

Thermal Belt R ail T

il ra

Main

221

Hudlow

Hill urel La

ALT

w La k es

BOSTIC

trid As

ce Joy

SPINDALE

Flin

i ew

Miller

ALT

lem Church Sa

ll Wells M i

r Pa

Canine

ette db Le

Tay lor

B a ll

RUTH

ley ag

Lee

yR ock

rs G

Cis

221

or kC

Cedar ne

Roc

ill

B1 Ch im

Seven Oaks

Farm

1935

ine

sM w re nd A

Bostic Sunsh

ak s ps o

ns olli

Open space/park land acreage totals were high due to Chimney Rock State Park and the South Mountains Gamelands, two large areas of stateowned and managed land located in the county.

Iris

Gr a

Bal

Br oy

Bas

Union

W il l o

y m

13 6 6

“

» Partnerships with municipalities, Rutherford County Schools, and other organizations for recreation facilities and services

Spur

Further analysis of the facility inventory shows that most existing facilities are not widely distributed geographically. Active recreation, sport, and park facilities are highly concentrated in the Main Street region. Sport facilities such as soccer fields, multi-purpose fields, and baseball fields are located at municipal parks, public schools, and community centers meeting the recommended number per population, but not providing a central sports complex for competition and tournament play. Partnerships between these recreation managers can help provide facilities and programming for all county residents and visitors.

need for the following:

Partnerships between recreation managers can help provide facilities and programming for all county residents and visitors

E X H IB IT 2

LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS MATRIX When considering the number of public recreation facilities within the study area, recreation services within the county meet and exceed almost all service standards. However, active recreation, sport, and some park facilities are highly concentrated in the Main Street Region. Rutherford County Recreation Inventory & Facility Needs NRPA Facility Recommended Needs County Standard per (2018, pop. Facility population 67,810) Inventory

Facility Type Adult Baseball 1/20,000 3 Fields Youth 1/5,000 14 baseball/adult softball Ball field (soccer, 1/5,000 14 football, multipurpose) Basketball Courts 1/5,000 14 Tennis Courts 1/2,000 34 Picnic Shelters 1/2,000 34 Playgrounds 1/1,000 68 Trails (miles) 0.4 mile/1,000 27.12 Recreation Center 1/25,000 3 w/ Gym* Swimming Pool 1/20,000 3 Golf Course 91/25,000 3 hole Golf Course 181/50,000 1 hole Open Space/Park 16 acres/1,000 1084 Land** Dog Park 1/50,000 1 Skateboard Park 1/50,000 1 *Includes community centers with indoor gyms **Does not include golf course acreage

Net Total Facilities Town School Other Private Total Facility Facility Public Facility Facility (per 2018 Inventory Inventory Facilities Inventory Inventory pop.)

2 4 5 2 14.91

15 17 27 16 19.61

10.5 6 0 29 1.06

2 4 1 1 4.73

0 4 0 0 3.8

29.5 35 33 48 44.11

15.5 1 -1 -20 16.99

-1

74.73

1820.05

28760.7

30655.52

29571.52

0 0

-1 -1

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 27

Benchmark Community Analysis The following section presents a benchmark community analysis, providing local context for national standards set forth by the NRPA. Four (4) North Carolina counties similar to Rutherford County are examined: Franklin County; Rockingham County; Surry County; and Wilkes County. Benchmark communities were chosen based on population size and density, total service area, median household income, and median age. The benchmark analysis only surveys facilities owned and managed at the County level. Three of the four benchmark communities have countylevel recreation departments. Rockingham County is provided as a benchmark for counties without an independent recreation department. Benchmark analysis matrices are located in Appendices D and E. Each community profile provides a general county overview and description. Total recreation facilities, open space acreage, and total length of trails are then examined to provide a general depiction of the community’s recreation services.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY Rutherford County is located in the foothills region of North Carolina. The county is mostly rural, but the municipalities of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City comprise a low-density urban area in the County’s center.

COUNTY QUICK FACTS Population: Total Area: Median Age: Median Household Income: County Recreation Department:

67,734 566 sq. miles 44.5 years $38,573 No

F RA N K LI N COUNT Y

COUNTY QUICK FACTS

Franklin County is located in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, northeast of Wake County. Though Franklin County is proximate to the Research Triangle area, it is mostly rural.

Population: Total Area: Median Age: Median Household Income: County Recreation Department:

60,619 494 sq. miles 40.9 years $48,344 Yes

The County features several natural assets including the Broad and Second Broad rivers, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock State Park.

The County’s main natural asset is the Tar River, which flows through the County seat of Louisburg. The County does not provide formal recreational access to the river.

RECREATION SERVICES

Rutherford County does not have a recreation or parks department and does not provide any recreational programming. Recreation planning and maintenance are handled through the County’s Planning and Maintenance departments.

Franklin County Parks and Recreation provides a wide variety of programming opportunities including five sports camps, three arts and cultural programs, and nine recreational sports leagues for adults and youth and manages three recreational facilities.

» Total Recreation Facilities: 7

» Total Recreation Facilities: 3

» Open Space: 74.7 acres

» Open Space: 32.4 acres

» Trails: 14.9 miles

» Trails: 1.3 miles

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R O CKI NGH AM COUN T Y

COUNTY QUICK FACTS

Rockingham County is located in North Carolina’s northern Piedmont region. The County is mostly rural and contains the small, rural cities of Eden, Reidsville, Madison, and Mayodan. Rockingham County features several natural assets including the Dan, Haw, Mayo, and Smith rivers, Lake Reidsville, and Mayo and Haw River State Parks. RECREATION SERVICES

Population: Total Area: Median Age: Median Household Income: County Recreation Department:

93,643 573 sq. miles 44.4 years $41,700 No

The County lacks a recreation department and does not provide any recreational programming. Maintenance of the county’s one park facility is served by the County Engineering and Public Utilities Department. » Total Recreation Facilities: 1 » Open Space: 30 acres » Trails: 0.5 miles

W I L KES COUNT Y

COUNTY QUICK FACTS

Wilkes County is located in western North Carolina in the state’s Mountain region. The County is mostly rural and features the rural, small towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro. Wilkes County features the Yadkin River and Stone Mountain State Park. The County also features W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, which offers a public use area as well as 35+ miles of premier mountain bike trails managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. RECREATION SERVICES

Population: Total Area: Median Age: Median Household Income: County Recreation Department:

69,340 757 sq. miles 44.1 years $37,173 Yes

Wilkes County Parks and Recreation offers seasonal youth sports league programming throughout the year and manages one recreation facility. » Total Recreation Facilities: 1 » Open Space: 65 acres » Trails: 2.8 miles

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 29

Benchmark Community Analysis (cont.) S U RRY COUNT Y Surry County is located both in North Carolina’s Piedmont and Mountain regions. The County is mostly rural and features the municipalities of Mt. Airy, Elkin, Dobson, and Pilot Mountain. Surry County features three major rivers: the Ararat, Mitchell, and Fisher. The Yadkin River serves as the County’s southern boundary. Surry also features Pilot Mountain State Park and multiple river accesses. RECREATION SERVICES

COUNTY QUICK FACTS Population: Total Area: Median Age: Median Household Income: County Recreation Department:

73,673 536 sq. miles 43.4 years $39,071 Yes

The County offers three main programs: the Yadkin Valley Senior Games, Special Olympics Surry County, and a summer day camp. The Surry Parks and Recreation Department manages five recreational facilities, including one park and multiple river accesses. » Total Recreation Facilities: 5 » Open Space: 151 acres » Trails: 1.5 miles E XHI BI T 3

DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS SUMMARY A thorough analysis of previous plans, existing facilities, level of service, and benchmark communities indicates the following: » Multi-sport Complex. The recreation facilities inventory showed that while there are numerous facilities located within Rutherford County and particularly in the Main Street region, a centralized multi-sport complex does not exist. » Strategic Partnerships. Recreation services within the County meet and exceed almost all level of service standards set forth by the NRPA. Partnerships must be forged with municipalities, Rutherford County Schools, and other organizations to provide facilities and programming for all county residents and visitors. » Location. County-owned and managed facilities are spread across the County which presents a significant challenge to the development and management of a countywide recreation program. » Staffing and Programming. When compared to benchmark communities, Rutherford County manages a similar number of recreational facilities without a parks and recreation department but provides no recreational programming.

30 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

CHAPTER

3 T

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

he master plan process included an extensive public engagement program that was led by a diverse steering committee of recreation stakeholders and representatives from throughout the County. In addition, multiple focus group meetings were conducted along with a county-wide recreational needs survey. This chapter highlights the results of the public engagement program and culminates with an overarching vision for recreation in Rutherford County.

IN THIS CHAPTER 1 PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS 2 FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS 3 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS 4 PUBLIC MEETING 5 VISION

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 3 1

Recreational Needs Survey Results An online public survey was conducted to determine recreational needs and preferences. The survey received 1,140 responses and was distributed by County officials, committee members, and other stakeholder groups through web, email, and social media. This section presents key survey findings. A full report of survey results can be found in Appendix G.

Respondent Demographics: Of the 1,140 respondents, 49% were from Forest City or Rutherfordton. While respondents showed a diversity in age groups, 71% percent identified as female while 29% identified as male.

Where Do You Live? WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Rutherfordton 22.40% Bostic 6.45%

Forest City 26.99%

60+ 17.78%

50-59 19.40%

18-2

2 3.2 3%

23-29 9.38%

40-49 24.57%

El 9.1 lenb 8% oro

Other* 26.89%

*Areas with <5% of responses: Spindale, Cliffside, Green Hill, Gilkey, Golden Valley, Sulphur Springs, Chimney Rock, Caroleen, Henrietta, Union, Logan Store, Ruth, Morgan, Camp Creek, Duncan Creek, High Shoals, and Colfax

Where Rutherford Plays: Respondents were asked to identify the facilities in each planning region members of their household had visited in the past 12 months. Responses indicated that existing walking/trail facilities were some of the most popular existing facilities across the county. Where Rutherford Plays: COUNTYWIDE

30-39 25.65%

Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gender WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?

Lu ke La 09% . 8

Respondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Age HOW OLD ARE YOU?

Male 29%

Female 71%

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

MOUNTAIN

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Chimney Rock State Park

Isothermal Community College Walking Trails

Flowering Bridge

Ellenboro Town Park

Chimney Rock River Walk

MAIN STREET

Crestview Park

Purple Martin Greenway

James F. Crowe Park

Where Rutherford Wants to Play:

Where Should Rutherford Start?

Respondents were asked to identify community recreation, outdoor recreation, and park facilities members of their household used or were interested in. Responses indicated that playgrounds, splash pads, community recreationRutherford centers, trails, and river accesses were the most Where Wants to Play: used or desired facilities.

Community Recreation Facilities

Community Recreation Center/Fitness Facilities

7 in 10

Outdoor Splash Pad/Waterpark

6 in 10

Indoor Swimming Pool

6 in 10

Multi-Sport Complex

Rutherford County.

Park Facilities

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Adventure Playgrounds

7 in 10

Natural Playgrounds

6 in 10

Traditional Playgrounds

5 in 10

Recreational Activities

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Green Maintained Open Space Beach Volleyball Courts

Asphalt/Paved Trails

7 in 10

Hiking-only Natural Surface Trails

6 in 10

River Access Areas for Boating & Paddling

6 in 10

Outdoor Fitness Stations Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV/ATV) Trails

Recreational Facilities

RECREATION FACILITIES

Hiking

Trails

Walking

Parks

Soccer

Sports Complex

Dog Park

Other

Outdoor Recreation Facilities

In an open-ended response question, respondents were asked to identify which recreation activities and facilities Rutherford County should prioritize. Responses indicated that hiking and trail facilities, a sports/soccer complex, Where Should Rutherford Start? and pool facilities should all be recreation priorities for In an open-ended response question, survey respondents were asked to Rutherford list theCounty. top three recreation facility and activity priorities for

Disc Golf Mountain Bike Skills Park Skateboarding Park Other

4 Swimming 4 Pools Where Can Rutherford Do Better?

Gravel Trails Mountain Bike Natural Surface Trails Equestrian Natural Surface Trails

In an open-ended response question, survey respondents were asked to list any recreational opportunities or experiences they felt were missing in Rutherford County.

Other

Where Can Rutherford Do Better? In an open-ended response question, respondents were asked to identify any recreation opportunities they felt were missing in Rutherford County. Responses indicated the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest recreation gaps were parks, a sports complex, and trails.

Parks

Trails

Sports Complex

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 3 3

Focus Groups & Interviews The consultant team conducted four focus group meetings with stakeholders identified at the February 2019 project kick-off meeting. This section presents an overview of each stakeholder group and key needs identified in focus group discussions. R U TH ERFORD CO UN T Y SOCCE R ASSOC I AT I ON

R UT H E R F OR D OU T D O O R COA L I T I O N

The Rutherford County Soccer Association (RCSA) provides recreation soccer programming for NC Youth Soccer divisions U4-U14. RCSA runs a spring and fall season and serves approximately 500 annual participants.

The Rutherford Outdoor KEY USER GROUP NEEDS: Coalition (ROC) is a non» Continued paddle access profit organization founded to development along Broad and promote and expand outdoor Second Broad rivers recreation in Rutherford » Greenway trail development County. ROC provides maps, photos, videos, and other informational resources for outdoor recreation throughout the County. The coalition also works to develop outdoor recreation assets such as trails and paddle accesses and provided the consultant team with additional greenway and blueway development opportunities.

KEY USER GROUP NEEDS: »

New soccer facility containing six (6) soccer fields (two lighted, one artificial turf) Facility use agreement with Isothermal Community College

The soccer association primarily uses the fields at Isothermal Community College for practices and games, though no formal facility use or maintenance agreement exists between the two entities. RCSA indicated the need for a new facility, ideally containing six soccer fields (two lighted, one artificial turf).

The RCSA utilizes the ICC fields for practice and game play.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

ROC has worked to develop outdoor recreation assets in the County, including two paddle accesses on the Broad River

R U TH ERFORD CO UN T Y SWIM T E A M

C H ASE LI T T LE LEAG U E

The Rutherford County Swim Team (RCST) is a parent-run USA Swimming affiliated swim team. RCST provides shortcourse and long-course swim season programming and maintains approximately 40 year-round participants.

Chase Little League is a community-operated baseball league. The program serves approximately 150 annual participants and primarily uses Honeysuckle Park for practices and games.

KEY USER GROUP NEEDS: »

New aquatic facility containing a 50m x 25yd competition pool Facility use agreement with Isothermal Community College

KEY USER GROUP NEEDS: »

New tee-ball field at Honeysuckle Park

The swim team primarily uses the Isothermal Community College pool for practice and competition, though no formal facility use agreement exists between the two entities. RCST indicated the need for a new facility, ideally containing a 50 meter x 25 yard competition pool.

The ICC pool provides a facility for RCSA practice and meets, but does not fully meet the groups programming needs.

Chase Little League is Honeysuckle Park’s primary user group

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 35

Steering Committee Meeting A steering committee comprised of local government and community leaders was formed to lead the overall visioning process. The committee was comprised of representatives from the County, municipalities and towns, funding partners, public schools, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. A listing of steering committee representatives can be found within the plan’s introductory Acknowledgements section. ST EERI NG CO MMIT T E E ME E TIN G # 1 ( MAY 2, 2019)

ST E E R I N G COM M I T T E E M E E T I N G # 2 ( AUG UST 8, 2 01 9 )

The first steering committee meeting included a presentation of the results from the recreational needs survey and existing facilities analysis. The committee discussed opportunities and constraints of existing facilities, ultimately providing direction on how the County should focus its parks and recreation improvement efforts. The steering committee also provided feedback on initial facility recommendations and proposals.

The second steering committee meeting included review of public engagement input. The committee also provided significant input on the draft recommendations and discussed key priorities for implementation.

“The project steering committee provided critical feedback for overall plan direction & key recommendations.”

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Public Input Meeting The consultant team presented draft plan recommendations at a public meeting on June 27, 2019 to solicit citizen feedback. Fifteen (15) citizens attended the meeting. The meeting included a brief presentation of the planning process, analysis, and draft recommendations, followed by a drop-in question and answer session. Attendees were encouraged to submit written comments as well. The meeting distilled the following key takeaways: 1

A centralized soccer complex should be a priority for Rutherford County recreation development.

A new aquatic center is critical to meet the demand for year-round youth swim programming.

J.D. Melton Memorial Park could serve as one option for the development of an aquatic center and centralized soccer complex.

Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancements and the development of other outdoor recreation facilities, such as greenways, trails, and river accesses are priority projects.

Attendees were provided the opportunity to rank the priority of each draft recommendation. Attendees indicated that the following were the top five recreation priorities: 1

Soccer Complex

Broad River Paddle Trail River Accesses

Trail & Greenway Development

Indoor Aquatic Center

Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancements

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 37

Rutherford Recreation Vision In consideration of the discovery and analysis and public engagement results, the project steering committee worked diligently to identify the optimal role for Rutherford County within the greater parks and recreation facilities and services being provided by the municipal jurisdictions. As a result, the plan Vision Statement highlights the need for County leadership to make strategic investments that support parks and recreation but avoid duplication with ongoing municipal recreation efforts. To support this vision, the committee established seven (7) recreation focus areas to guide plan recommendations. R U TH ERFORD CO UN T Y R ECR E ATI ON V I SI ON STATE ME N T Rutherford County will make strategic, high-impact recreation investments that support the county-wide citizenry as a whole and avoid duplication with ongoing municipal facilities and programs. The County will adequately maintain and invest in existing recreation facilities and work to consolidate facilities when necessary to reduce cost and create a single, yet more impactful recreation resource. The County will partner with other municipalities and agencies, such as the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, to further invest in passive recreation facilities, such as trails, greenways, and paddle trails that enhance quality of life, protect natural resources, and spur economic growth and tourism.

R EC R E AT I ON F OC US A R E AS 1 Multi-use Soccer Complex Construct a multi-use soccer complex to meet the demand and need for local programming and tournament play.

2 Paddle Trails Establish accessible paddle trails that provide a variety of experiences along the Broad and Second Broad Rivers.

3 Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhance existing trail facilities to provide a destination-quality trail experience with connections to additional greenway trails throughout the Main Street region.

4 Greenways & Trails Invest in an interconnected greenway trail system that focuses on natural features throughout the County.

5 Existing County Recreation Facilities Identify enhancement opportunities for historically significant parks, and consider options for community parks that would increase the operational efficiency and limited capacity of county staff.

6 Indoor Aquatic & Recreation Center Construct an indoor aquatic facility to meet the demand for year-round youth swim programming.

7 Regional Trail Systems Continue to plan and develop trail amenities and connections to existing and proposed regional trail systems throughout the County.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

CHAPTER

4 T

RECOMMENDATIONS

his chapter presents specific recreational infrastructure development recommendations and serves as the heart of the Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. Recommendations are organized according to the seven (7) recreation focus areas established by the steering committee and based on findings from the analysis and public engagement phases of the planning process.

IN THIS CHAPTER 1 MULTI-USE SOCCER COMPLEX 2 PADDLE TRAILS 3 THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL 4 GREENWAYS & TRAILS 5 EXISTING COUNTY RECREATION FACILITIES 6 INDOOR AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTER 7 REGIONAL TRAILS

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 39

Recommendations Overview The project steering committee cast a strong vision for the future of Rutherford County recreation based on the plan analysis and public engagement results. Recommendations in this chapter support the plan vision and the seven (7) recreation focus areas. It should be noted that the purpose of the plan vision is to identify and support the County’s role in parks and recreation development for its residents and visitors. This Chapter is organized according to seven (7) recreation focus areas established by the project steering committee:

Multi-use Soccer Complex

Paddle Trails

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Greenways & Trails

Existing County Recreation Facilities

Indoor Aquatic & Recreation Center

Regional Trail Systems

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 » Partner with others to

provide recreational facilities and comprehensive programming for all.

2 » Develop recreational

opportunities that take advantage of significant natural resources in the area.

3 » Create regional assets that

“Each section of this chapter features a Goals & Actions box, summarizing critical action items related to each recommendation.”

4 0 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

promote local use and tourism.

4 » Maintain and enhance

county parks to provide additional oppportunities and increase operational efficiency.

Rutherford Recreation Vision: County will make strategic, “ Rutherford high-impact recreation investments

The County will adequately maintain and invest in existing recreation facilities and work to consolidate facilities when necessary to reduce cost and create a single, yet more impactful recreation resource. The County will partner with other municipalities and agencies, such as the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, to further invest in passive recreation facilities, such as trails, greenways, and paddle trails that enhance quality of life, protect natural resources, and spur economic growth and tourism.

“

“Relevant site plans, schematics, and maps accompany recommendations for each focus area.”

that support the county-wide citizenry as a whole and avoid duplication with ongoing municipal facilities and programs.

“Recommendations within this chapter support the plan vision established by the project steering committee.”

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 41

F OCU S AREA 1:

Multi-use Soccer Complex A multi-use soccer complex will provide a centralized facility to meet the current and future demand for local programming and tournament play within Rutherford County. The optimal facility will: » » » » » » »

total 30 or more acres; provide an additional 30 acres for a future indoor recreation facility; be located in the Main Street region; provide for 6 full size soccer fields (two lighted, one artificial turf); adequate parking (250 car capacity); indoor practice facility with storage; and, include concession stand, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and walking trails.

Exhibit 4 presents case studies of soccer complex facilities similar to community and stakeholder needs identified during the planning process.

S I T E S EL ECTION Rutherford County, the Rutherford County Soccer Association (RCSA), and consultant team explored multiple locations for a multi-use soccer complex. Ownership and parcel size were limiting factors in many cases. Although the steering committee did not identify a specific location through the planning process, several sites were studied for comparative purposes. JD MELTON MEMORIAL PARK

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 Organizational Structure 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address facility implementation, management, and maintenance. 2 Budget & Funding Strategy 2.1 Develop funding strategy with County government and RCSA. 3 Property Procurement & Preliminary Design 3.1 Identify parcels and conduct site suitability analysis.

3.2 Conduct landowner outreach and acquisition. 3.3 Design and preliminary engineering. 4 Implementation 4.1 Pursue Federal, State, and Foundation grants.

4.2 Complete final construction drawings.

4.3 Bidding. JD Melton Memorial Park (Old Police Club Park), owned and managed by the Town of Spindale, serves as a possible location that is currently under municipal control (see Exhibit 5, p. 44). 4.4 Construction. However, the site is not located directly off of Highway 74 (steering committee preference) and will require considerable grading. The 200-acre property is located near Spindale’s northern municipal border along Old Ballpark and Ledbetter Roads. The site currently provides two adult softball fields and restrooms and houses the Town’s public works office and wastewater treatment facility. ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE The redevelopment of the soccer fields at Isothermal Community College has been explored in the past (see Exhibit 6, p. 46). Although the site is not large enough to support the optimal facility (six large fields), this property could serve as a near-term, attainable solution that could be augmented with additional facilities nearby in the future.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Where Shou ld

E XHI BI T 4

MULTI-USE SOCCER COMPLEX CASE STUDIES CASE STUDY 1: HENRY FORK PARK » Location: Hickory, NC » Size: 46 acres » Facilities: 8 soccer fields, alpine ropes course, 2 playgrounds, concession stand, walking trail, 8,000-sq.-ft. picnic shelter, canoe launch, horseshoe pit

Rut

In an open-e SOCCER COMPLEX nd»e Location: d reMorganton, NC spons e question, list the top » Size: 30 acres su t h » Facilities: 4 lighted regulation soccer r e e r e c r e tifield fields, petanque courts, dog a park, on facility house with office, concession stand, 80-person picnic shelter,R multi-feature uther playground equipment, greenway trail ford Co Recre

CASE STUDY 2: HANNA PARK

CASE STUDY 3: CATAWBA RI VER

» Location: Shelby, NC » Size: 85 acres » Facilities: 5 regulation soccer fields, 7 picnic shelters, playground, nature trail

ational Activities

Where Should Rutherfo Re

In an open-ended response question, survey resp list the top three recreation facility and act Rutherford County.

HikRecreational ing

“A multi-use soccer complex was identified as a Walking recreational need and priority project in Rutherford County throughout the public engagement process.”

Recreationa Facilities

Activities

Soccer

Hiking

Walking

Soccer

Swimming

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 4 3

EXHIBIT 5

EXPLORING OPTIONS AT J.D. MELTON MEMORIAL PARK The J.D. Melton Memorial Park (Old Police Club Park) in Spindale presents an opportunity to develop a centralized soccer complex on property currently controlled by a municipal jurisdiction (Town of Spindale). A new entrance off Ecology Street would allow for the development of six (6) fields, concession stands (x2), restrooms (x2), picnic shelters (x5), natural playground, and an indoor practice facilty just southwest of the wastewater treatment center. In addition, development of the Hollands Creek Greenway and an extensive natural surface trail system at the park could create a recreational asset with regional significance that would serve both residents and tourists. There are two primary obstacles to development at this site: 1) the location is not immediately accessible to Highway 74; and 2) the site will require significant grading. Option B Option A

The park’s existing entrance area on Ledbetter Road provides four options for redevelopment: » Option A: Maintain and enhance existing softball fields, parking, and entryway » Option B: Develop additional soccer fields (x3) » Option C: Develop additional soccer fields (x2), bicycle pump track, and an adventure playground

Option D

Option C

» Option D: Develop a bike park, bicycle pump track, and adventure playground

4 4 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

50’

100’

200’

R D. L PA RK BAL

221 64 ALT

l a n d s Cr e e

Ca t

H ol

h eys Cre ek

RUTH RD. BALL

PARK

221

e lt

OLD

. RD

R TE

Ther m a l

RUTHERFORDTON . ST

DB LE

JD Melton Memorial Park

OLD

Option A

SPINDALE Ra

il T ra i l ALT

ALT

221

Facility Context

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 4 5

CATH CON

EX HIBIT 6

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOCCER FIELD REDEVELOPMENT Redevelopment of the existing soccer fields at Isothermal Community College provides another option to create a centralized soccer facility. The site totals approximately 9 acres and currently provides two regulation soccer fields, four youth soccer fields, and a gravel parking area. The redevelopment plan includes two (2) full size soccer fields, concession stand, restrooms, volleyball court, walking track, and expanded parking area. A number of options for smaller playing fields of different sizes are also presented. Redevelopment of the area would necessitate a formal faciility use agreement between ICC, Rutherford County, the Rutherford County Soccer Association, and other partners.

ICC SOCCER FIELDS

Odom

Engineering PLLC

152 East Main Street, Forest City, N.C. 28043 ph: 828.247.4495 fax: 828.247.4498 NC FIRM# P-0880

F OCU S AREA 2:

Paddle Trails Rutherford County contains two major waterways ideal for paddle and fishing access: the Broad and Second Broad Rivers (see Map 5, p. 48). . Safe, legal, and public access areas are critical for development of these natural and recreational assets. Access areas can also function as trailheads for greenways and trails. Additional paddle trail development guidelines can be found in Exhibit 7 on page 49.

B R OAD R I V E R

SECO ND BROAD RI V ER

The Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) has been working to develop the 40+ mile Broad River Paddle Trail from the Lake Lure dam to US 221-A. Eleven (11) access areas are proposed within the corridor: Island Creek; Rock Springs Church Road; Clark Road; River Road; Grays Road; Coxe Road; Poors Ford; Big Island; Jack McKinney; US 221; and US 221-A.

The Second Broad River Paddle Trail extends for 18+ miles from James F. Crowe Park in Forest City to US 221-A in Cliffside. Five (5) access areas are proposed within the corridor: Crowe Park; US-74 Business; US 221-A in Caroleen; Haynes Street; and US 221-A in Cliffside.

Currently, only two of the proposed access areas exist and provide formal developed river access: the Grays Road Access and the Coxe Road Access.

Portage trails will be necessary to bypass old dams located on the river.

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 Cooperative Management Agreements 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address access area management and maintenance. 2 Easement Acquisition and Preliminary Design 2.1 Identify access sites.

2.2 Conduct landowner outreach in partnership with the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and Foothills Conservancy. 2.3 Acquire easements or leases. 2.4 Design and preliminary engineering. 3 Implementation 3.1 Develop grant funding strategy and timeline.

3.2 Complete final construction drawings.

The proposed access areas at US 221 and US 221-A are currently being planned due to willing landowners and previous planning efforts (see Exhibits 8 and 9, pgs. 50-53).

3.3 Permitting. 3.4 Bidding. 3.5 Construction.

Planned Hwy 221 river access on the Broad River

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 47

V ict o ry Trail

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS

ALT

Island Island Creek Island Creek Creek River River Access River Access Access

Rock Rock Springs Rock Springs Springs Church Church Road Church Road Road River River Access River Access Access

ek re C athey s C

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

ALT

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

e rm ou n

tain

221

Clark Clark Road Clark Road Road River River Access River Access Access River River Road River Road Road River River Access River Access Access Br oa d

lland k s Cree

SPINDALE SPINDALE

US US 74 Business US 74 74 Business Business River River Access River Access Access

Cr ee

Grays Grays Road Grays Road Road River River Access River Access Access

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

Cl eg h

PADDLE CORRIDOR

<<< SECOND BROAD RIVER

221

US US 221-A US 221-A 221-A River River Access River Access Access

PLANNED ond S ec

Poors Poors Ford Poors Ford Ford River River Access River Access Access

PROPOSED

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

ALT

Coxe Coxe Road Coxe Road Road River River Access River Access Access

EXISTING

BOSTIC BOSTIC Crowe Crowe Park Crowe Park Park River River Access River Access Access

or n

LEGEND

RUTHERFORDTON RUTHERFORDTON

r ve Ri

BROAD RIVER >>>

RUTH RUTH

Haynes Haynes Street Haynes Street Street River River Access River Access Access ro ad

Big Big Island Big Island Island River River Access River Access Access

Bro ad R ive r

2.5

5 MI.

Jack Jack McKinney Jack McKinney McKinney River River Access River Access Access

MAP 5 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N RUT H ER F ORD COU NT Y PA D D L E T R A I L S

///

Riv er

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

HWY HWY 221 HWY 221 221 River River Access River Access Access

HWY HWY 221A HWY 221A 221A River River Access River Access Access

US US 221-A US 221-A 221-A River River Access River Access Access Lake Lake Houser Lake Houser Houser Access Access Access Broad Broad River Broad River River Greenway Greenway Access Greenway Access Access

EXHI BI T 7

PADDLE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES Paddle trails should be designed and developed according to the desired user experience. Trails (or segments within the trail) can be grouped into four categories: GATEWAY EXPERIENCE » Most predictable; good for beginners and short trips » Access spacing: < 6 miles » Amenities: Restrooms, shuttle service often operating, wayfinding signage along roadways, possible picnic and camping facilities » Stream Character: Slow or moderately paced streams to streams with limited riffles; minimal hazards

RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCE » Some experience required; boat maneuvreing and small portages possible » Access Spacing: < 9 miles on average » Amenities: Restroom/ picnic/camping facilities may be available but usually not; shuttle desirable » Stream Character: Vary from narrow and sinuous to wider channel stretches; sandbars, rocks, rifles, or mild rapids present

CHALLENGE EXPERIENCE

WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

» Skill/experience required; moderate to high number of hazards » Access Spacing: varies by conditions and development goals » Amenities: Restroom/ picnic/camping facilities may be available but usually not; Guided experiences may be encouraged » Stream Character: May include faster water and rapids, lakes, or expansive wetland areas; moderate to high number of hazards

» Minimal human-made distractions/amenities; minimal to no facilities present » Access Spacing: > 9 miles » Amenities: Any facilities present are minimal, primitive, and without signage; guided experiences may be encouraged in place of typical rental business » Stream Character: Any types of water conditions are eligible; remote setting; ‘challenge’ elements including unmarked

**Information provided by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ document “Developing Water Trails in Iowa”

“Development of new paddle accesses and enhancement of existing paddle accesses will help transform the Broad River from a local natural asset into a regional tourism destination.”

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 49

EX H IBIT 8

HWY 221 RIVER ACCESS Key Features: • Paved parking spaces (10) • Trailer parking spaces (2) • Entry Sign • Kiosk • Kayak/canoe launch • Access to the proposed Broad River Greenway

100

Y R.

FLOO DPL

AIN

HWY 221 SIGN

0 Existing

30’

60’

120’

MATCH LINE

BR OA

R IVE DR

PROPOSED BROAD RIVER GREENWAY

2 TRAILER PARKING

MATCH LINE

10 KIOSK

RIVER ACCESS

AIN

DPL

YR . FL OO

1 00

ADA ACCESS TO GREENWAY

KIOSK

TRAILER PARKING

SIGN

HWY 221A 0

30’

60’

120’

MATCH LINE

E XHIBIT 9

Key Features: • Paved parking spaces (9) • Trailer parking spaces (2) • Entry Sign • Kiosk • Kayak/canoe launch • ADA access to proposed Broad River Greenway

PRO

POS ED

OA D

RIV

B ROAD RIV ER GREENW AY

DUKE ENERGY RIVER ACCESS @ HWY 221-A

RIVER ACCESS

MATCH LINE

Existing

F OCU S AREA 3:

Thermal Belt Rail Trail Rutherford County and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) managing partners recognize the significance of this recreational asset. The trail serves as a spine connecting the towns in the Main Streets region to other proposed trails and greenways that stretch throughout the County. Additional planning and enhancements will elevate the TBRT from a local recreational asset to a regional tourism destination (see Exhibit 10).

PL A N N IN G & A NA LYSIS Corridor planning that highlights opportunities for distinctive feature development, such as pocket parks, gardens, and public art, would be beneficial. A parcel analysis for properties adjacent to the trail could identify areas for new trail supporting businesses and development.

T RA IL EN HA NC E M E NTS The managing partners are currently implementing enhancements at Project Areas identified in the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Master Plan (see Maps 6-10, pgs. 56-60) that focus on trailheads, connections, fitness stations, and user safety. Enhancements in the future should include facilities such as playgrounds, tailgate markets, community gardens, and picnic areas that encourage users to spend more time on the trail and in the area.

G OAL S & AC T IONS: 2 Implementation 1 Planning and Preliminary Design 1.1 Develop a Rail Trail Enhancement 2.1 Continue implementation of Plan that highlights opportunities enhancements in the Thermal for public art, sculpture, gardens, Belt Rail Trail Plan. and pocket parks. 2.2 Develop grant funding strategy 1.2 Conduct a parcel anaysis for and timeline. properties adjacent to the TBRT. 2.3 Complete final construction 1.3 Identify additional infrastructure drawings. needs. 2.4 Bidding. 1.4 Design and preliminary 2.5 Construction. engineering of additional infrastructure and enhancements.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

E X H IBIT 10

CREATING A RAIL TRAIL DESTINATION The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a significant asset for Rutherford County that should be leveraged to further develop a regional recreation and tourism destination. While the current TBRT master plan identifies trailheads, connections, and user safety improvements, a new master plan should cast a vision for unique facilities that distinguish the trail as a recreational destination. Additional facilities might include tailgate markets, community gardens, playgrounds, public art, and open space areas and picnic areas. Facilities should be strategically developed and located to encourage users to spend more time on the trail and in the area, thereby leveraging the trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development potential.

MAP 6

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 5 5

///

T H ERM AL B E LT R A I L T R A I L E N HA NC E M ENTS: P L A NNING SE CTIONS MAP 6

Second Broad R iver

GIL KEY

Catheys

Creek

RUTH

s nd

e re

FO R EST CI T Y

SP I NDALE

il ra T il Ra t l Be mal r e h T

RUT HERFORD T ON

Broad Ri ver 56

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

0.75

1.5

3 mi.

Lawing M ill

Can dac e

Ay dl ot

PROJECT AREA 1A: (PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ DARLINGTON RD) • GILKEY TRAILHEAD

y Gilke

Gilkey

l Schoo

Mon teC a rlo

221

Carvos Parton

Painters Gap

er ov

GILKEY LUMBER

W ilson

ca ec

ree THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL k

er L o op

Moun tain Cre ek

PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION AREAS Fr og

ow ol l

///

2000’

>50

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

20.01-50

221 lv

TOWN BOUNDARIES

5.01-20

APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

af Le

und an ce 0-5

PLANNED

500’ 1000’

Twi n

PARCELS BY SACRE

EXISTING

0’

Tree

nnet t CONNECTING TRAILS:

Ro p

nta

Wil low

Wendo ver

GILBOA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Gilb oa Ch urc h

Hondo

a Nap

LEGEND

Tw in K

il l Ch

Lon

l ow yB

Da rl i ngt on

ia n

ot ldP Ru ck Go er Sorrel ls

MAP 7

ek re sC ey th Ca

rds dwa rE me Gil

e idg Sour wood R

s ng pri kS a O

U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N TH ER MAL B ELT RAIL T R A I L E N HA NC ERM E N T S : G I LKE Y

s ard Edw er Gilm

Catheys Creek

PROJECT AREA 2C:

PROJECT AREA 2A:

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ ROCK RD) • FITNESS STATIONS • TRAFFIC CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS • OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL EXHIBIT

PROJECT AREA 2B:

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ GILBOA CHURCH RD) • CONNECTOR TRAIL TO BECHTLER MINT TRAILHEAD

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ BROYHILL RD) • FITNESS STATIONS • TRAFFIC CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS

FUTURE NCDOT REALIGNMENT OF BROYHILL RD WITH PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

PROJECT AREA 2D:

hi l

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ HWY 64) • PROPOSED SIGNALIZED CROSSWALK • RUTH TRAILHEAD

RUT H PROJECT AREA 2E: (PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ CHURCH STREET) • FITNESS STATIONS

64 TANNER COMPANY

C hur ch HARED W

ITH T

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH Ch ur ch

HE OV

ch ool

Ru S D th

4,223 LF OF 10’ CONNECTOR TRAIL TO RUTHERFORDTON AND PURPLE MARTIN

hern Sout

221

eter

R-S CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

SEG

on Thomps

RED SHA

N o rt h

NHT

ee Cr

20.01-50

2000’

4000’

RU THER FO R DT ON

PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION AREAS

MAP 8 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & ///5 8TH E R MA L BELT

RAIL T R A I L E N HA NC E M E N T S : RU THE R FOR DTON

RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

221

n to ng hi as

>50

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

r dW

TOWN BOUNDARIES

5.01-20

Cem eta KIWANIS ry PARK er Mc Bray

APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

4,456 LF OF 10’ CONNECTOR TRAIL TO RUTHERFORDTON AND PURPLE MARTIN

7th h 6t th 5 th 4

0-5

PLANNED

EXISTING

ro o

HT OVN

stb

PARCELS BY ACRE

CONNECTING TRAILS:

1000’

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

0’

FUTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL

T TH

LEGEND

C o ll e t

sC nd

ENT S

lla

n Brow

4,200 LF OF 10’ WIDE CONNECTOR TRAIL

DAVID L HENDERSON BASEBALL FACILITY

ree

oop er L op

Lo ng

SEGM

rdy Ha

221

G re e n

G il b o a

a Tr

M ill w

La win g

ak O

w ro

na ta

n yn Fl

ter

cut

ne Sto

reek

ds C

Floy

EXISTING

FUTURE 1.3 MI. ICC CONNECTOR TRAIL

ek Cre

PLANNED APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

STONECUTTER CREEK GREENWAY

TOWN BOUNDARIES TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION AREAS

t es W

CONNECTING TRAILS:

Par k

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

r ee nC hor

Indu str i al

S m it h

LEGEND

g Cle

///

>50

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ METHOD DR) • TRAFFIC CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS

vation ser Re

20.01-50

PROJECT AREA 3D:

PURPLE MARTIN CONNECTOR

MAP 9

la ak O

4,456 LF OF 10’ CONNECTOR TRAIL TO RUTHERFORDTON AND PURPLE MARTIN

SPINDALE PARKS AND RECREATION

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

y ne Pi

e dg Ri

el R-S MIDDLE SCHOOL

SPINDALE MILL HISTORIC MARKER

221

rn ia

OVERBROOK TRAIL

SPINDALE TOWN HALL

0-5

IC C

PARCELS BY ACRE 5.01-20

d lan

i fo Cal

Mill

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRAILS

ale

ilr o rn a d et t d 2n

ind

CALLAHAN KOON RD. CONNECTOR

no nt Pine uc rds ky Edwa sas Ka n

Ca ll a ha nK oo n

Illi

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

FITNESS STATIONS

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ N OAK ST) • SPINDALE PLAZA • OLD DEPOT PARKING

FITNESS STATIONS

tt s

PROJECT AREA 3A:

Fai

it h

kli

n Bla ton

TBRT/ICC SIDEWALK CONNECTOR

Cre

FOREST CITY CLUBHOUSE

etts

ck Bra

d un ro rg

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ ILLINOIS ST & OAKLAND RD) • FITNESS STATIONS • BIKE PUMP TRACK •OAKLAND RD TRAILHEAD

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ TANNER ST) • DOWNTOWN SPINDALE TRAILHEAD

St at e

Duk

PROJECT AREA 3C:

PROJECT AREA 3B:

EVEREST TEXTILE TRAILHEAD

CASE BRANCH GREENWAY

lls

SPINDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Cla

Colonial Wa l te r Horn

BOULDER PLAY AREA

Ma in

rings ls Sp Wel

rk Pa

ett er

SP INDALE se

221

Led b

land

Hol

JD MELTON MEMORIAL PARK

reek

FUTURE BOSTIC SPUR

0’

1000’ 2000’

4000’

U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N TH E R MA L BELT RAIL T R A I L E N HA NC ERM E N T S : S P I NDA LE

5.01-20

TOWN BOUNDARIES

20.01-50

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

4000’

PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION AREAS

TH E R MA L BELT RAIL T R A I L E N HA NC E M E N T S : FO RE ST CITY

6 0 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

ENS Oak Forest ION

>50

MAP 10

///

y H ill

221

0-5

APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

FUT

URE

Cre ek

Bra cke tts

PLANNED

Ki n

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

PARCELS BY ACRE

EXISTING

M y rt le

ce m

THOMAS JEFFERSON CLASSICAL ACADEMY

CONNECTING TRAILS:

1000’ 2000’

TRA IL E

y or ct

Ra ilro ad hn ei de r

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

LEGEND

0’

THOMAS JEFFERSON CLASSICAL ACADEMY CONNECTOR

unt WH rest For

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ GREEN ST) • FLORENCE MILL TRAILHEAD • PICNIC PAVILION • DOG PARK

He rit a

PROJECT AREA 4B:

dwa

FORREST HUNT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

roa

r eta y

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ CLAY ST) • CALLISON RECREATION CENTER TRAILHEAD

FOREST CITY CLUBHOUSE

221 B

PROJECT AREA 4A:

Pi ne

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

ver

el ls Fron e tag

FUTURE SIDEWALK CONNECTOR

Be a

unny side

e st

Lar k

ffe

Run

Hick oryN ut

L Low ibe r ty r an c e

Will ow

r is

or Pry en Gre

CALLISON REC CENTER

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ PINE ST) • PINE STREET TRAILHEAD

ee Cr

PROJECT AREA 4E:

pot De

Ha r

Cla

h Churc asant t Ple Moun

FLORENCE MILL “POPS” PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

in Ma

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ LARK per M p ST) Co • ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

ow orr

Lea n rni g

PROJECT AREA 4D:

(PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ DEPOT ST) • COURTESY BIKE REPAIR STATION

r eB

MCNAIR BASEBALL STADIUM

FUTURE BOSTIC SPUR

s tview

PROJECT AREA 4C:

COOL SPRINGS RECREATION CENTER

M E

CHARLES SUMMEY PARK

Big S pri Bra nc ng h

FORE ST C I T Y

ranch

JAMES F. CROWE PARK

lla

B Buck

Second Broad River

PROJECT AREA 4F: (PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS @ FORREST W HUNT DR) • FOREST HUNT TRAILHEAD

F OCU S AREA 4:

Greenways & Trails A greenway system that links multiple recreational and tourism assets throughout the County will offer a unique experience for both residents and visitors. Strategic investments by the County and Tourism Development Authority can be leveraged with grant funding to implement an extensive greenway and trail system. This section presents greenway trails that strategically focus on connecting to and forming loops with existing assets, such as the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and paddle accesses (see Map 11, p. 63). Significant landowner engagement will be necessary for all routes. Trail types may vary from narrow natural surface trails to twelve foot wide asphalt greenways depending on location and expected use. The following routes are priority development corridors: M AI N STREE T R EGIO N GT1

RUTHERFORD SCHOOL LO O P

LENGTH: 2.5 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 5 POINTS OF INTEREST: RS High School, future RS Middle School Site, Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Hollands Creek Trail GT1 is a 2.5 mile loop trail that extends from the TBRT to Rutherford High School and future Middle School before returning to the TBRT/OVNHT by way of Hollands Creek. GT3

GT2

OV E R M O U N TA I N V I C TO RY T R A I L (C AT H E YS C R E E K TO T B R T )

LENGTH: 1.5 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 3 POINTS OF INTEREST: Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Catheys Creek, Gilbert Town Encampment GT2 will connect the Thermal Belt Rail Trail to Catheys Creek, extending trail opportunities along the TBRT.

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 Cooperative Management Agreements 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address greenway and trail management and maintenance. 2 Easement Acquisition and Preliminary Design 2.1 Identify priority greenway and trail corridors.

2.2 Conduct landowner outreach in partnership with the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and Foothills Land Conservancy. 2.3 Acquire corridor easements or leases. 2.4 Design and preliminary engineering. 3 Implementation 3.1 Develop grant funding strategy and timeline.

3.2 Complete final construction drawings.

H O L L A N D S C R E E K G R E E N WAY

LENGTH: 4.79 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 5 POINTS OF INTEREST: TBRT/OVNHT Connectivity, Spindaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JD Melton Memorial Park and Waste Treatment Plant (Large Publicly Owned Property)

3.3 Bidding. 3.4 Construction.

Trail GT3 extends for 4.79 miles and connects the TBRT/OVNHT north of Ruth to Catheys Creek. A mix of small and medium size parcels present challenges for development, but its connectivity to the TBRT makes Hollands Creek a high priority. R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 61

MAI N STREET REGIO N (CON T IN UE D) GT4

C AT H E YS C R E E K G R E E N WAY

GT5

LENGTH: 6.35 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 5 POINTS OF INTEREST: OVNHT Connectivity, Hollands Creek Confluence, Second Broad Confluence

BOSTIC SPUR

GT6

LENGTH: 2.86 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 5 POINTS OF INTEREST: Bostic Spur Trestle Bridge, Historic Bostic, TBRT Connectivity

Trail GT5 extends 2.86 miles and contains 4 road crossings, 1 river crossing, and 1 railroad crossing (see Exhibit 11, p. 65). The Bostic Spur Trestle Bridge is a point of interest within this corridor.

Trail GT4 extends for 6.35 miles and will connect the Second Broad River north and west to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The trail section east of the Hollands Creek confluence is a high priority since this connectivity is critical for T H extending multiple trail opportunities from N the TBRT. GT2

PURPLE MARTIN GREENWAY

LENGTH: 3 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 11 POINTS OF INTEREST: Downtown Rutherfordton, Kiwanis Park, Thermal Belt Rail Trail

The Purple Martin Greenway currently extends 1.2 miles along Cleghorn Creek, south of downtown Rutherfordton. Once completed, the trail will extend 2.59 miles and connect to Kiwanis Park, Downtown Rutherfordton, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.

221

GT1

GT4

l a n d s Cr e ek

h eys Cre ek

RUTH

r a d Rive

CATHEYS CREEK CONFLUENCE

GT3

Ther m a l

RUTHERFORDTON

e lt

SPINDALE Ra

GT7

ond Bro

Ca t

H ol

ALT

GT9

LENGTH: 2.72 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 3

BOSTIC

il T ra i l ALT

221

ALT

221

GT5

GT7

JAMES F. CROWE PARK

FOREST CITY

LEGEND

BUS Extending trail opportunities from the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) is critical to meeting local recreation needs as well 74 a portion of traiil as enhancing the TBRT as a tourism asset. A “Northern TBRT Loop” comprised of trails GT3, GT5, and THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL GT9 would provide such an opportunitiy

GT11

ALT

CONNECTING TRAILS: EXISTINGALT

221 PLANNED APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

B ro

TOWN BOUNDARIES

er ad Riv

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N 74

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

0.5

PURPLE MARTIN G R E E N WAY ( D OW N TOW N S P I N DA L E E X T E N S I O N )

2 MI.

POINTS OF INTEREST: Purple Martin Greenway, Downtown Spindale, Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Trail GT7 extends for 2.72 miles and requires a major road crossing at Hwy 74-Alt. This trail follows Thunder Road and South Oak, linking the Purple Martin Greenway and the TBRT in downtown Spindale. This section is a high priority with the possibility of linking the County’s two major trails. South Oak Street has a wide rightof-way, providing sufficient width for a greenway along this corridor between Hwy 74 Alt. and Spindale.

///

G R E E N WAY TR A IL ROUTE S OV E RV IE W

74 oa Br

Rutherford School Loop

OVT (Catheys Creek to TBRT)

Hollands Creek Greenway

Catheys Creek Greenway

Bostic Spur

Purple Martin Greenway

Purple Martin Greenway Downtown Spindale Extension

Broad River Greenway

Second Broad River Greenway

26 Thermal Belt Rail Trail North Extension

Cleghorn Creek Greenway

Rock Broad Riverwalk

Luremont Trail

RUTHERRUTHERFORDTON FORDTON

RUTH RUTH

H ol

lands eek Cr

SPINDALE SPINDALE

11 k ho

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

2.5

BOSTIC BOSTIC

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

2 4

nd B Se co

iver dR

GREENWAY PLANNING SECTIONS

Vict nt

ALT

erm

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

Cat h eys C r ee k

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

ain

221 ALT

ve r

9 74

ALT

221

Broa d

5 MI.

MAP 11

ory Trail

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LAND LAND

Riv er

221

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 63

GT2

221

GT1 S

RUTH

l a n d s Cr e ek

h eys Cre ek

ond Bro

GT4

Ca t

H ol

ALT

r a d Rive

CATHEYS CREEK CONFLUENCE

GT3

Ther m al

RUTHERFORDTON

el t

GT6

SPINDALE Ra il T

GT9

BOSTIC

ra i l ALT

221

ALT

221

GT5

GT7

JAMES F. CROWE PARK

FOREST CITY

LEGEND

BUS

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

GT11 ALT

CONNECTING TRAILS: EXISTINGALT

221 PLANNED APPROXIMATE HISTORIC OVNHT

B ro

TOWN BOUNDARIES

er ad Riv

MAP 12

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N ///6 4GR E EN WAYS & T RAIL S : M A I N S T R E E T

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

REGION

0.5

2 MI.

LEGEND THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL W Chu

PLANNED PAVED RAIL TRAIL

rch St

PLANNED PEDAL RAIL TRAIL TOWN BOUNDARIES TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

Sec

2000’

BOSTIC

otto m

JAMES CROWE MEMORIAL PARK

Wilkins St

Riv

Hor

Old Wagy Rd

Hedgeland Dr

GT5

Roberson Rd

GT9

Bostic Sunshine HWY

Seitz Dr

CHARLES R. SUMMEY PARK

Bridges Dr

SPINDALE

Bosti c St

1000’

500’

0’

iel

Dan

Mc St

ALT

221 BUS

r Turne

St c Van

t eS

t tS un

err

o yM

Marshall St

Millw o

od St

VANCE STREET

g Rd

Lawin

Fla

COOL SPRINGS RECREATION CENTER

EXHI BI T 11

Th e

rm al Be lt

FOREST CITY Big Spri ng Bran ch

Big Spri

ngs Ave

T ail

Hardin St

CALLISON RECREATION CENTER

MCNAIR BASEBALL STADIUM

l rai

BOSTIC SPUR RAILROAD CORRIDOR The Bostic Spur corridor presents a significant opportunity to connect Bostic with Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City via the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Creating a paved rail trail connector in the corridor from the Thermal Belt Rail Trail to Vance Street would provide connectivity between the TBRT and a number of public recreational facilities within Forest City. Currently, the rail line is active but disused, making it a top priority to railbank the line to secure the corridor. If railbanking the entire line is not an option at this time, the short section of the rail spur from Vance Street to Bostic could be used for rail biking, providing a truly unique experence for residents and tourists.

CO UNTYWI DE R EGIO N GT8

B R OA D R I V E R G R E E N WAY

LENGTH: 45 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 19 POINTS OF INTEREST: Dittmer Watts Nature Trail Park, Greys Rd. River Access, Coxe Rd. River Access, OVNHT connection,

Trail GT8 extends 45 miles along the Broad River corridor from Lake Lure to the Cliffside Steam Station. The majority of this corridor lies in rural areas, lending itself to large parcels and greater feasibility for land acquisition. Established and planned river accesses within this corridor can serve as significant connectivity nodes. Exhibits 13, 14, and 15 on pages 68-70 provide three priority trail segments that will connect planned or existing river access areas along the Broad River.

GT11

CLEGHORN CREEK G R E E N WAY

GT9

S E CO N D B R OA D G R E E N WAY

RIVER

LENGTH: 18 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 7 POINTS OF INTEREST: Catheys Creek Confluence, James Crowe Park, Bostic Spur, Cliffside Clock Tower, Cliffside Elementary School, Cliffside Mill & Dam

Trail GT9 extends for 18 miles from Catheys Creek to Cliffside along the Second Broad River corridor. This trail corridor could serve to connect the Main Street region to the southern part of the County. Proposed river accesses along this corridor can serve as significant connectivty nodes for trail development.

GT12

R O C KY B R OA D R I V E R WA L K

ROAD CROSSINGS: 5

ROAD CROSSINGS: 1

POINTS OF INTEREST: Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club, Purple Martin Greenway

POINTS OF INTEREST: Downtown Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Marina, and Beach

LENGTH: 6.5 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 8 POINTS OF INTEREST: Union Mills, Catheys Creek, City of Marion/Burke County Trail Connectivity

Trail GT10 extends for 6.5 miles from the northern TBRT terminus to the northern Rutherford County boundary (see Exhibit 13, p. 67). This section serves as a key opportunity to connect the Thermal Belt Rail Trail north to trails within McDowell County and the City of Marion.

M OUN TA I N R EG I ON

LENGTH: 0.66 miles

The trail provides an opportunity to connect the Broad River, Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club, and the Purple Martin Greenway.

TBRT NORTH EXTENSION

Exhibit 15 on page 70 provides priority trail segments along the Second Broad corridor that will connect the Cliffside Clocktower, Cliffside Elementary, and the Broad River Greenway.

LENGTH: 5.14 miles

Trail GT11 extends for 5.14 miles along Cleghorn Creek from the Broad River to the southern terminus of the Purple Martin Greenway.

GT10

Trail GT12 extends for 0.66 miles from downtown Chimney Rock Village to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge along the Rocky Broad River. An existing portion of the trail is located along Chimney Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Street. The trail will connect to several recreational assets in the area including Chimney Rock State Park and the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge (see Exhibit 16, p. 71).

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

GT13

LUREMONT TRAIL

LENGTH: 0.9 miles ROAD CROSSINGS: 0 POINTS OF INTEREST: Lake Lure Town Pond and Picnic Area, Asa Gray Drive

Trail GT13 extends for 0.9 miles, and it is located entirely on Town owned land or public rights of way in the Town Center area of Lake Lure. This trail provides an opportunity to connect to the Bottomless Pools and trails in the Cane Creek Mountain area of Chimney Rock State Park (see Exhibit 16, p.71).

ou t

Californi a

COUNTY LINE & END OF STUDY AREA Can

o x C re ek e

Thom ason

Antl r e Ba rn es

Tr e

Aylene Ko on e

Bonnie

Hu dlo w

221

Mi ss i

rd rcha O Brittan y

t Fores

Forne y

s on Oak S pring s

Gi l key

LEGEND

Ho p

i ng r

cke

rr So

Rid ge

Candac e l Mil e sti c Law Ju

Sc el l Gil key hool s

i ans

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

dR idg e

Lon Jan s n I Holl ow

PARCELS BY ACRE

Ridge er De

Twin K

o wo

en NORTHERN TERMINUS Ow OF THE TBRT

al k W er

one

So ur

atham Ch

sa ero

ge Cr brid ts

Mills n u R

ton

221 WiddL awin

Wallabe e My s M Rid t ic oc ge a art hs W hitestone t

es Hin

ge Rid

reek s C

llite Sate S a I sle s a bi To

GT10

Do ck

hey

s en Ow el Ch ap

Gro ves

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

0-5

PLANNED

5.01-20

100 YEAR FLOOD

Ro20.01-50 Ho lla r ose e H o l l n d >50 ilm rds G a K R U THER FOR D COU r PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 67 a a n a aN TY dw n J AHampton

Pri mr

Cat

Kni

rc Chu

ck Goshen

N arro M cC ur

Gro ve

eld hfi Crut c

t tmon

gle

Kinney

221 Coney I sland

y Cit al

e Th

Lib erty Hill

systems in Rutherford and McDowell Counties. Many sections of the old railroad corridor have reverted back to property owners along this route. Large parcels exist along the corridor, however, tight parcelization in several areas will make easement acquisition

Rock

b by

Strawb erry Holl ow

Y TRAIL THERMAL U N TRAIL L C OBELT L E W O D M C NORTH EXTENSION U N T Y Belt Rail Trail North from Gilkey C O Thermal Extending D the R O F R E R U T H provides a connection between the greenway and trail

E X H I B I T 12

Ma in Po ll

0.5

MI.

s J o n 120 as 1 Si m

E X H I B I T 13

BROAD RIVER GREENWAY: e T h i st l GRAYS ROAD TO COXE ROAD RIVER ACCESSES

11 5

Kelse

10 8

m Fa r

Bo d H ar

GRAY’S RD RIVER ACCESS

n so

11 5 3

Unio

r ow

Mountain Creek

Li n e

M Kn i l l e r o ll

14 9

R iv

k Cree horn

t i on wo

wo C le g l ub G yC u K in g s G ran t Co

Co xe

Riv e r

ood

B ee ch

13 02

hT Turkey Nes t

Rid

st a

H o l l y Fore s t

ks ee W 43 11

eek

ree

ot t

1005

1 14

ood

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

4000’

nt a

1000’ 2000’ t re s R iv e r C

Etha n

i E ll y Za c h a r 68

0’

orn

l Mi l

ntr

M i le s

11 4 8

eg h

S trou d M t n

s ew

r ee k

COXE RD RIVER ACCESS

olf

5.01-20 g n t R id e F ro 20.01-50 > 50 En

Ash

din

Mo s s

tio

n ta

nta

Pl a

gP la

Unio

n an ta

de A 10 0 5

t io

0-5

lis po na An

5 11 4

ti o

Mu s a c R i d ge

an t a

C am

Pa tto n

Kin

B ee

11 4 7

Ki n

PARCEL SIZE

M a rt

Cleg

Arb

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

W a sh b

C ox e

vi e

11 4 6

Cox e R id

Ri v

or V i e w

B a b er

11 4 9

1156

Zio

G ee

H id d e n K no l l

Ba be

Du Ap m p le p li ng

11 9 2

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

PLANNED OVT s s Ri d ge

Hig h Rid ge Vall e

D eervi ew

EXISTING RIVER ACCESS

GT8A

P O L K CPLANNED OUNTY

idg

LEGEND

55 ' s 11

Ca m

133

To m

ill P le a sa n t H

Gray

Trail GT8A is a top priority for the development of w o d the Broad River Greenway. The trail will extend 4.7 miles and serves to connect the existing Grays and Coxe Road River Accesses. Landowner engagement, in partnership with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and the Foothills Land Conservancy, is critical to trail development. C l e

C re ek 2 11 4 C h u rch

uggs

Sid ney

Honeycutt

d es

H en ry J en k i n s

le y

Ha m

is t Me r m a H ol id l ow

r i le

19 76

221

19 9

DUKE ENERGY OWNED

B l a ke

ALT

r ick

rk Ba

C an d ysh A c r e el l s

Lio 19 9 n el 5

Goo

gan

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

2 2 11

Plota

ed a

of the Broad River Greenway. The trail will extendFe4.15 miles rr y Accesses. Additionally, trail GT8B will connect to proposed trail GT8C 22 69at the Duke Energy River Access, ultimately connecting to the Cliffside community and the Second Broad River La Greenway. D av i s ke a

111 6

Lake m ins l l Fa Mac Trail GT8B presents a significant opportunity to develop a section r rm Co k a ey andB u cserve to connect the planned Hwy 221 and Duke Energyl lRiver

2 11 0 C h u r c ary

11 3 BROAD RIVER GREENWAY: HWY 221 TO HWY 221A S G r o v er C

2 11

G r ah

e C ot h n i a

ble

C alv

ri e

EX HI BI T 14

J e f f erson

2111

Duc Po n k d

C h r is

t ian

Fo r d Is l a n d

2 10 9

Ash

er ek

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

2102

2 10 4

Ma r v ys

n B B a

K ir b y

el l

> 50

D u rham

o s se t t

2 in te

C o rd

o sa k al o

o sa

20.01-50

rr y p Fe

k al o

5.01-20

C am

lia

210

0-5

2 10 3

W al

en g

19 9 3

H ines

PARCEL SIZE Op

l Wa al o k l a sa

Ba ll

PLANNED

s Lo op

21 0 1

er PLANNED RIVER ACCESS

rnie sS p r i n g

21 0

F iel d

LEGEND

Cr ai

St ate Li n e

Dy sa rt

B rea

Hi n e s 2 10 2 2 2 1A

L ak

Mid

A li ci a

he n

at M

u ff Cd B

H i cks G r ove

Can e

210 8

S ai n e A t la n tic

C roc ker

Liv e

e k Cr

Nol

221

a gon

i ll

2 10

Duk e 1 0 0 P o w er19 2

ALT

a n d a Farm

B ro

ad R

ola

Lo y

a d ri ver

Bar t

GT8B iv

go Fa r

221

221 RIVER ACCESS

221

221 Rive rsto ne

11 1

DUKE ENERGY RIVER ACCESS

or e Philm r te oo Sc ot Bu cksh

N G en ie

0’

1000’ 2000’

4000’

1 97

Wa s h i n gt o n

od Wo

Tay

20.01-50 C l if f s id >Fa50 ir

S r

W in d

H aw

k i n s C oo p

ki n

wic

Fe n

r gr e

C l if f si

S p rin gs

Dedmond

Ra m s e

Fe r

y en th Ma

CLIFFSIDE SANITARY DISTRICT

ALT

5.01-20

Fa i r v

il i

0-5

M ai n

PARCEL SIZE

l or

Be a son TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED wa y a th

RR HAYNES MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER

PLANNED RIVER ACCESS PLANNED

h as

t t le

GT9A

R ome

ord

C h u rc h

Buf

CLIFFSIDE

an en Br Hog P

C al vary C hu rch

iew

Rid g

ine it e l

LEGEND ck

k ee

E ve

19 8 7

Trails GT9A, GT9B, and GT8C will connect Cliffside Elementary School, the RR Haynes Memorial Clock Tower, and planned Duke Energy River Access along the Second Broad and Broad Rivers. The three trail sections e Rid g a will connect historical assets, provide H a m es new recreation amenity within the Cliffside community, , and serve as an anchor for future trail development along the Broad and Second Broad River Greenways.

Stim son

Hil

CLIFFSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

H i l l to p

CONNECTING CLIFFSIDE

Ras h eed

ls C re

ng Swi

A r n old

EXHIBIT 1 5

J am er so

221

G rass y

Fo x

De n

v er

nA cr

o ad

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Plota

ki ns H en r y J en

S e co

McCombs

GT9B

H a ney

C am e o

A cr es or dF

C h e s te rﬁ

an Is l

hel l

Lio

C a n d ys

ALT

221 Co

e ld

V i n e wo

DUKE ENERGY OWNED

GT8C

CLEVELAND COUNTY

DUKE ENERGY RIVER ACCESS

R ive r Fr o n t

Br 70

y sa

Ri ad

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

0’

750’ 1500’

3000’

EX HIBIT 1 6 MAP 16

ROCKY BROAD RIVERWALK AND LUREMONT TRAIL

ha The Rocky Broad Riverwalk and Luremont Trail will connect to the Lake Lure Town Center Walkway, providing a safe pedestrian pe lP tR d connection via a two mile path between Chimney Rock Village and the Town of Lake Lure. These trails will provide connectivity Silver City between Rd Chimney Rock Chimney State Park, Chimney Rock Village’s Main Street, River Park, Flowering Bridge, Morse Park, Lake Lure Rock d F ire R p fly m Co Beach, and the Lake Lure Town Center area. Ca v s C

State Park (Rumbling Bald)

Sh da

eri n

Firefly Pt

Pine Gab d les R

Church St

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK ENTRANCE

Gosd

Amb

ler L

ish

Tow

alk k y B r oad R ive r w

iffs

w ter W a l k

MORSE PARK

l yC

a in

LAKE LURE Jac

Man

or D

St a

te P a rk

ray

urn Rd

ols

tto

Can

less

less Poo l

L ur em

on t

Bottom

TOWN AND COUNTY OWNED

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 7 1 tor

1000’

GT13

b sh Wa

STATE OWNED

0 250’ 500’

Memorial Hwy

Arcade St

100 YEAR FLOOD

TOWN OF LAKE LURE

Keeter

TOWN CENTER WALKWAY

FUTURE EXTENSIONS

PLANNED

Chimney Rock State Park

ndo

THE BEACH

LEGEND

ris

Har

k Lo

Lake Chimney Rock Park Rd

Set

TOWN OF CHIMNEY ROCK

Ro c

C en

de Dr

Duffy & Carr Dr

Southsi

GT12

R FLOWERING RIVE OAD R B BRIDGE ROCKY n

n oh

dy L

ce D

Bud

Terr a

l sta Cry

Main

ay W

F OCU S AREA 5:

Existing County Recreation Facilities Rutherford County owns six parks that are historically significant or serve as recreational resources for the local communities (see Map 13, p. 73). They are spread across the central and southern parts of the county which makes maintenance and management challenging with limited resources. Ongoing maintenance is necessary to assure that the parks don’t fall further into disrepair. Enhancements will improve the existing facilities and create additional recreational opportunities.

C L I F F S ID E C LOC K TOW ER

BI GGERSTAFF HANGI NG TREE SI TE

The Cliffside Clock Tower serves as a historical asset to the Cliffside community. Due to the property’s small size, additional development opportunities are limited. Enhancements might include interpretive signage on-site and trail connections to Cliffside Elementary School and the proposed Second Broad River Greenway (see Exhibit 15, p. 70). Trail and greenway connectivity would create an opportunity and local recreational asset that doesn’t currently exist.

The Biggerstaff Hanging Tree site is another property of historical value to Rutherford County. Stabilization, site development, and restoration recommendations were made in the Biggerstaff’s Old Fields and Long Farmstead Preservation Master Plan. If the Long House and other existing structures on the site aren’t stabilized, any further development on the site must strongly consider a risk management strategy to mitigate safety hazards. Additional enhancements could include the development of a natural surface trail system with interpretive signage.

B EC H T L ER M IN T HI STO R IC S IT E The Bechtler Mint Historic Site serves as a historical, recreational, and tourism asset that is located adjacent to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. The Bechtler Mint Site Plan (see Exhibit 17, p. 75) includes improvements that would enhance this valuable asset. It’s location on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail provides significant accessibility to residents and tourists. 72

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

GOALS & AC T I O N S : Maintain & Enhance 1 Cliffside Clocktower 1.1 Identify connecting greenway and trail corridors.

1.2 Develop grant funding strategy and timeline. 1.3 Conduct landowner outreach in partnership with the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and Foothills Conservancy. 2

Bechtler Mint Historic Site 2.1 Prioritize recommendations in the Bechtler Mint Conceptual Site Plan. 2.2 Develop budget and funding strategy.

Biggerstaff Hanging Tree Site 3.1 Prioritize preservation recommendations in Biggerstaff’s Old Field and Long Farmstead Preservation Master Plan. 3.2 Develop budget and funding strategy.

Develop 4 Centralized Recreation Facility in Southern Rutherford County 4.1 Procure property

4.2 Design and engineering. 4.3 Implementation.

Decommission & Reinvest in a Centralized Recreation Facility 5 Honeysuckle Park

2.3 Design and engineering.

6 Linder Park

2.4 Implementation.

7 Frank West Park

7.1 Request authorization from NCDNCR/LWCF to decommission and reinvest.

221

ALT

BECHTLER MINT HISTORIC SITE

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

ey s C ath

LAKE LAKE LURE LURE

ALT

BIGGERSTAFF HANGING TREE SITE

Car

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY ROCK ROCK

e rm ou n

tain

V ict o ry Trail

SOUTH SOUTH MOUNTAINS MOUNTAINS GAME GAME LANDS LANDS

re ek

d oa Br er Riv

RUTHERFORDTON RUTHERFORDTON

RUTH RUTH

lland k s Cree

BOSTIC BOSTIC

SPINDALE SPINDALE

Cr ee k eg

FOREST FOREST CITY CITY

ro ad

ELLENBORO ELLENBORO

ond S ec

Purple Martin Greenway

Riv er

FRANK WEST PARK 221

HONEYSUCKLE PARK

LINDER PARK

CLIFFSIDE CLIFFSIDE

N Bro ad R ive r

CLIFFSIDE CLOCK TOWER

MAP 13

///

THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N C O UN T Y- OWNED REC RE AT I O N FAC I L I TRIUE S

L I N D ER PARK

FRANK WEST PARK

H O N EYS U C K LE PA RK

Linder Park is the old Harris School property and serves the Harris community. The existing facilities are in fair to poor condition, and some are located on private property. The park appears to receive little use.

Frank West Park was given to the County by the former Burlington Industries, Inc., and serves the Caroleen community. Facility enhancements may include trail development and connections to nearby Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and the Second Broad River. Conditions noted in the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deed and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund agreement (see Appendices H and I) may present significant restrictions on the future use or sale of this property by the County.

Honeysuckle Park serves the Cliffside community. Chase Little League utilizes the park for practice and league play, but the facilities do not fully meet their needs. Repair and additional maintenance to the baseball fields, concession stand, playground, and picnic shelter would be beneficial to little league participants and local residents. Additional enhancements could include a t-ball field at the location of the abandoned tennis courts and a walking track. If a centrally located park was developed in southeastern Rutherford County, Honeysuckle Park would remain until development of the new park was complete.

The isolated locations of the community parks in southern Rutherford County make maintenance and management of the sites difficult. Linder, Frank West, and Honeysuckle Parks appear to receive little use and their facilities are in fair to poor condition. The steering committee supported a recommendation that reimagined recreation in southeastern Rutherford County. A centrally located park that meets the needs of residents and creates new recreational opportunities would also increase the operational efficiency of limited County staff. Publically owned sites, like Chase Middle School (see Exhibit 18, p. 76) or Cliffside Elementary School, could provide recreational opportunities for both students and residents in the area. If these parks are decommissioned, proceeds from the sale of these parks could be reinvested into a new park centrally located in southeastern Rutherford County. A partnership agreement with Rutherford County Schools would be necessary for development, management, and use of facilities located on their properties.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

EXHI BI T 17

BECHTLER MINT CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN The Bechtler Mint Historic Site is a key educational and historical asset along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. The Bechtler Mint Conceptual Site Plan includes entry gates and monument signage, parking lot improvements, a pavilion and council circle, special events lawn, improvements to the historic home, mint site, and mine entry, a picnic area, visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center and retail shop, and improvements to interpretive signage and walking loop.

Entry Gates and Monument Signage

Parking Lot

Pavilion & Council Circle

4 11

I 7

Special Events Lawn

Historic Home & Mint Site

Bechtler Mine Entry

Meadows

Interpretive Trail & Walking Loop

Visitors Center & Retail Shop

10 Thermal Belt Rail Trail 10

11 Picnic Area

I 3

KNIGHT S t r a t e g i e s

Landscape Architecture | Design + Build

Interpretive Signage

BRNHA Interpretive Signage

Bechtler Mint | Conceptual SiteAugust Plan 6, 2012

L1.0

EXHI BI T 18

CHASE MIDDLE SCHOOL BALL FIELDS IMPROVEMENTS PLAN The Chase Middle School Plan provides one example of an opportunity to develop a centralized recreation facility in southeastern Rutherford County. Development, management, and use of the facility will necessitate a partnership agreement with the Rutherford County Board of Education.

Trails

F OCU S AREA 6:

Indoor Aquatic & Recreation Center An indoor aquatic and recreation facility in Rutherford County would allow year-round use by the local swimming associations, high school swim teams, and the public. A publicly-owned facility managed by a private contractor or non-profit organization would expand aquatic opportunities for residents while minimizing the capacity needed by the County to operate the facility. The consultant team conducted a case study of facility management and analysis of aquatic facilities (see Exhibit 19, P. 78) based on community and stakeholder recreation needs.

The • • •

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 Organizational Structure 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address facility implementation, management, and maintenance. 2 Budget & Funding Strategy

Parks

optimal facility should include 50-meter x 25-yard competition pool, 25-yard warm-up pool, adequate parking, splash pad or outdoor water feature, and all necessary support facilities.

2.1 Develop funding strategy with County government, Rutherford County Schools, Rutherford County and Forest City Swim Teams. 3

S I T E S E L EC TION Discussions with stakeholder groups and the public supported a preference for a location in the Main Street region. The site of Isothermal Community College’s Rutherfordton Learning Center on Maple Street was one property that was explored during the planning process. It is currently owned by Rutherford County Schools. Redevelopment of the site could include an indoor aquatic facility, fitness facilities, and an outdoor splash pad (see Exhibit 20, P. 79). These were the top three preferred community recreation facilities revealed in the online public survey of recreational needs. Comments at the public input session also recommended considering these facilities at JD Melton Memorial Park in Spindale.

ming

An indoor aquatic facility was identified as a recreation priority throughout the public engagement processs

Property Procurement & Preliminary Design 3.1 Identify parcels and conduct site suitability analysis.

Sports Complex

3.2 Conduct landowner outreach and acquisition. 3.3 Design and preliminary engineering.

4 Implementation 4.1 Pursue Federal, State, and Foundation grants.

4.2 Complete final construction drawings. 4.3 Bidding. 4.4 Construction.

Pools

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 7 7

E XHI BI T 19

AQUATIC FACILITY CASE STUDY FACI L I TY MANAGE ME NT The Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA) Center is a publicly-owned aquatic facility in Huntersville, NC. The facility includes a 50-meter competition pool, 25-yard warm-up pool, dive pool with platforms and springboards, fitness center (weights and aerobic equipment), gymnasium, and personal fitness studios. HFFA Center was constructed in 2001 by the Town of Huntersville and operations are managed by a private contractor. The aquatic facility’s main revenue streams come from membership revenue, programming and other fees, donations, a Mecklenburg County grant, and TDA support for capital needs. Since Rutherford County does not currently have a Parks and Recreation Department, a public-private partnership similar to the HFAC model could serve as a solution to the potential management and operation challenges for an indoor aquatic facility.

S IT E FACILIT IE S CASE STUDY 1: CHRISTIANSBURG AQUATIC CENTER » Location: Christiansburg, VA » Size: 64,000 sq. ft. » Facilities: 50m competition pool, leisure pool, therapy pool, therapy pool, spectator seating (400), fitness rooms, wet classroom

CASE STUDY 2: CHEROKEE COUNTY AQUATIC CENTER » Location: Cherokee County, GA » Size: 48,000 sq. ft. » Facilities: 50m competition pool, 25 yard recreational pool, spectator seating (700), outdoor leisure pool with play features

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

CASE STUDY 3: JUNIPER PARK POOL » Location: Bend, OR » Size: 65,000 sq. ft. » Facilities: 50m competition pool with retractable roof, 25m indoor pool, seasonal outdoor activity pool, sauna and steam rooms, fitness facility

E XHI BI T 20

INDOOR AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTER CONCEPT Key Features: • 50-meter indoor competition pool

• Soccer field

• 25-yard indoor warm-up pool

• Support facilities

• Outdoor splash pad

• Parking

• Fitness facilities

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 79

F OCU S AREA 7:

Regional Trail Systems Regional trail systems connect communities and offer access to some of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most significant and scenic landscapes. While they may initially exist as disconnected segments, the intent of these extensive trail systems is to connect regional assets. Rutherford County and its partners are successfully creating local trail systems that once connected, will become part of much larger regional trail systems. Local amenities like campgrounds, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and trail based businesses support regional trail systems and encourage tourists to stay in the area longer and push more money into the local economy. Trailhead amenities such as parking, bathrooms, adventure playgrounds, and picnic areas also add to the overall user experience.

STATE DESIGNATED TRAILS State Trails, authorized by the NC General Assembly, are distinguished from other regional and local trails as units of the North Carolina State Parks system. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the overall corridor planning and coordination. They are managed through partnerships; and sponsors build, maintain and manage their section of trail deciding on location, design, surface, permitted uses, and amenities.

G OA LS & AC T I O N S : 1 Planning & Preliminary Design 1.1 Develop trail master plans in partnership with the NC Division of Parks and Recreation and other trail partners.

1.2 Identify priority trail segments located on publicly controlled lands. 1.3 Design and preliminary engineering. 2 Implementation. 2.1 Develop grant funding strategy and timeline.

2.2 Complete final construction drawings. 2.3 Bidding. 2.4 Construction.

HI CKO RY N UT GOR GE STAT E TRAI L The Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, located in northwestern Rutherford County, was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 2017. The proposed hiking and biking trail will connect Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, Weed Patch Mountain, Bat Cave, Florence Nature Preserve, and Bearwallow Mountain over a 130+ mile trail network within and outside of Rutherford County (see Map 14, p. 82).

W IL DE R N E SS GAT E WAY STATE TRAI L The Wilderness Gateway State Trail was authorized in May of 2019. The proposed trail will connect the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail to the Catawba River. Within Rutherford County, the Wilderness Gateway Trail will connect Buffalo Creek Park, Box Creek Wilderness, and South Mountains Gamelands (see Map 15, p. 83).

8 0 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL OV ER M O U N TA IN V IC TORY N ATI O NAL HI STO RI C TRAI L (OVNHT) The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) is both nationally and state designated. The NC General Assembly authorized the portion of the OVNHT within North Carolina as a State Trail in May of 2019. The trail passes through Rutherford County, connecting to downtown Rutherfordton and portions of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Purple Martin Greenway. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with local governments and stakeholders throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina to implement the 270-mile trail (see Exhibit 22, p. 84).

LOCAL TRAILS Regional trail systems often encompass smaller local recreational trail systems. These trail systems vary in length and may be purpose built for a specific user group. They are typically large enough to attract visitors from around the region and offer support facilities for trail users. Exhibit 21 features a case study of two local recreational trail systems, one located in Rutherford County.

E XHI BI T 21

LOCAL TRAIL SYSTEMS CASE STUDIES BUFFALO CREEK PARK/WEEDPATCH MOUNTAIN TRAILS » Location: Lake Lure » Size: 1,527 acres » Facilities: ~12 miles of intermediate-advanced natural surface trail; public parking areas (2); private parking area (1); planned campground on Boys Camp Road; nearby lodging in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

ITUSI TRAIL SYSTEM » Location: Lake Norman State Park, Troutman, NC » Size: 1,328 acres » Facilities: ~30.5 miles of easy-moderate natural surface trail comprised of 8 loops (ranging 1-9.75 miles); trailhead parking area; bathouse complex; 125yd. long swim beach; boat ramp; 32-site campground; community building; nearby lodging in Statesville, Troutman, and Mooresville

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 8 1

H ICKO RY NU T GORGE S TAT E T R A I L

///

MAP 14

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

BUNCOMBE COUNTY 74a £ ¤

9 £ ¤

Blue Ridge Pastures Trail (In Progress)

Weed Patch Mountain Trail

Florence Nature Preserve

Trombatore Trail

Upper HNG Trailhead

Bearwallow Mountain Trail

Buffalo Creek Park Loop Trail

Eagle Rock Youngs Mountain Trail (In Progress)

Wildcat Rock Trail

Bro ad

Bearwallow Connector Trail (In Progress)

River

Bat Cave & Blue Rock HENDERSON COUNTY

511 Acres Conservation (In Progress)

Rumbling Bald Loop Trail

Chimney Rock

Lake Lure

64 £ ¤

Completed Trail

Dittmer-Watts Nature Park

Trail in Progress Prospective Trail Conserved Land Conserving Carolina Property

Worlds Edge

CC Conservation Easement Other Conserved Lands Chimney Rock State Park Town of Lake Lure Park County Parks Conservation in Progress

The budding Hickory Nut Gorge trail network, now with 35 miles of completed trails, was designated as a state trail by the NC General Assembly in 2017. Locations and boundaries are approximate.Trails in progress are not open to the public. Proposed trails are for conceptual planning purposes only.

M O U N TA I N S TO M AI N STREETS

9 £ ¤

POLK COUNTY

0.5

Hickory Nut Gorge Conservation & State Trail Area

Miles

///

WILD ERNESS GAT E WAY S TAT E T R A I L

MAP 15

ES R FO TIO A N A ISG

T Johns River Game Land

L NA Lake James State Park

Morganton

Marion

Bakers Mtn. Park

Black Mountain Bobs Creek State Natural Area

Asheville

South Mountains State Park South Mountains Game Land

Box Creek Wilderness Area

Chimney Rock State Park

Lake Lure

I-40

Forest City

Fonta Flora State Trail Potential State Connector Trails

Wilderness Gateway State Trail Potential New State Trail Conservation Lands

1:500,000 0

30 Miles

Shelby

Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA

T HE RU T HERFORD COU N T Y TOU RISM MAST ER PL A N

EXHIBIT 22

“KEEP THE STORY ALIVE” The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) recognizes and celebrates the 1780 Patriot march and defeat of the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain. NPS OVNHT Study Areas 8 and 9 both impact Rutherford County. Study Area 8 is one of three study areas yet to have OVNHT master plans. A master plan for Study Area 9: Rutherfordton to Chesnee, SC is currently being developed.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

CHAPTER

5 T

IMPLEMENTATION

his chapter provides a summary of all plan recommendations identified in the previous chapter. Chapter 5 is divided into three major sections: General Implementation Recommendations, Funding Partners, and Implementation Summary.

IN THIS CHAPTER 1 GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS 2 FUNDING PARTNERS 3 IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 8 5

General Implementation Recommendations The projects outlined in this plan cast a bold vision for the future of recreation in Rutherford County and must be implemented over time. The following general recommendations outline broad actions the County should take toward implementing the Rutherford County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Vision. Strategic Partnerships.

Maintenance.

Rutherford County, Rutherford County Schools, the municipalities, organized non-profit athletic and outdoor recreation groups, and other potential partners must work together to provide parks and recreation services for residents and visitors. Use of existing facilities and programming are only one aspect that must be addressed. Facility development will require an organizational structure that addresses facility implementation, management, and maintenance.

Rutherford County must maintain the parks that they own and manage. Ongoing maintenance is necessary to assure that the parks don’t fall further into disrepair. Historically significant parks represent an important asset to residents and visitors.

Outdoor Recreation. Rutherford County and its partners are successfully leveraging their natural resources and creating recreational opportunities for its citizens and visitors. Continued enhancment and development of outdoor recreational infrastructure to create regional assets will promote local use and tourism.

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

“

Rutherford County will make strategic, highimpact recreation investments that support the county-wide citizenry as a whole and avoid duplication with ongoing municipal facilities and programs. The County will adequately maintain and invest in existing recreation facilities and work to consolidate facilities when necessary to reduce cost and create a single, yet more impactful recreation resource. The County will partner with other municipalities and agencies, such as the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, to further invest in passive recreation facilities, such as trails, greenways, and paddle trails that enhance quality of life, protect natural resources, and spur economic growth and tourism.

“

Additionally, with soccer and aquatic facilities and activities rising to the top during the public engagement process, strategic partnerships with the organizations that offer and support these activities must continue to be developed and supported by Rutherford County, Rutherford County Schools, and the municipalities.

Rutherford Recreation Vision:

Funding Partners R U TH ERFORD COUN T Y MU NI CI PAL PAR T N E R S

AND

As an active partner with the municipalities and organized athletic groups that are providing recreational facilities and comprehensive programming for county residents, Rutherford County must consider providing funding for parks and recreation. This may include annual appropriations from the county budget for operational costs or one-time capital expenditures for facility development. Political leadership could also consider a bond referendum to allow voters to decide on financing for recreational facilities recommended in this plan. F E DERAL , STATE , AND F OUN DATI ON GRANTS Many federal, state, and foundation grants have a recreation, environment, or health and wellness focus. The recommendations outlined in this plan address at least two and often all three focus areas. Project development should include a grant funding strategy that takes advantage of every grant cycle for the potential funding sources outlined in Exhibit 23.

R UT H E R F OR D COUN T Y TOUR I SM D E V E LO P M E N T AU T H O R I T Y Rutherford Bound, the tourism infrastructure master plan for the County, covers many of the recommendations in this plan under a broader scope. As recommended in Rutherford Bound, the RCTDA should continue to utilize 1/3 of it occupancy tax revenues to support development of recreationally oriented infrastructure products that have regional significance and tourism implications. Project leaders should demonstrate a financial or in-kind match to support implementation. Individuals, private businesses, and corporations may also choose to support development of tourism-related recreational facilities across the county through the Rutherford Bound capital campaign.

EXHIBIT 23

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Maximum Amount

Matching Funds Required

Partnership Funding Agency

Rutherford Recreation Implications

Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) (www.cwmtf.net)

Land Acquisition: Fee Simple or Easement. Must protect floodplain areas. Greenway trails are allowed.

NC Water Resources (NCWR) (www.ncwater.org)

River access areas or greenways along rivers

N/A

50%

January 1st and June 1st

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

All types of trails and greenways.

$100,000.00

25%

February 1st

Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)

All types of parks, trails, and recreation facilities

$500,000.00

50%

April

People for Bikes Community Grant

Trails and Greenways

$10,000.00

20%%

May 24th

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

Natural Resource and Heritage

$300,000

20%

June

RHI Legacy Foundation

Two Major Focus Areas: Active Living and Healthy Eating

N/A

Based on 6/2015 discussion Not specified but with staff, a $750K multi-year 20% is application would be welcome. competitive.

Deadlines

February 1st

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 87

Implementation Summary This section provides an implementation summary for each of the seven recreation focus areas identified in Chapter 4. Each implementation summary provides project goals and actions, implementation partners, funding sources, budget range, and project priority. Focus area goals and actions provide the next steps for Rutherford County and the implementation partners critical to the completion of each project. New facility development may ultimately be location-dependent, and partners will include public and private landowners and land conservation organizations. A budget range and potential funding sources specific to each focus area are highlighted. Detailed information on each funding source is provided in Exhibit 23 on page 87. Project priority is determined by the following implementation timeline: Short-term priority (1-5 years); Mid-term priority (5-10 years); and Long-term priority (10+ years).

A project priority indicator is provided for each focus area. Priority is based on the following implementation timeline: Short-term (1-5 years); Mid-term (5-10 years); Longterm (10+ years).

MULTI-USE SOCCER COMPLEX GOAL S & ACTION S: 1 Organizational Structure 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address facility implementation, management, and maintenance. 2 Budget & Funding Strategy 2.1 Develop funding strategy with County government and RCSA. 3 Property Procurement & Preliminary Design 3.1 Identify parcels and conduct site suitability analysis.

3.2 Conduct landowner outreach and acquisition. 3.3 Design and preliminary engineering. 4 Implementation 4.1 Pursue Federal, State, and Foundation grants.

4.2 Final construction drawings. 4.3 Bidding. 4.4 Construction.

I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PA R T N E R S » Rutherford County » Rutherford County Soccer Association » Municipalities

B U D G E T RA N G E » Unit: Lump Sum » Cost: $5-8 million

PRIORITY F UN DI N G SOUR C E S » PARTF » RHI Legacy » RCTDA* *In order to receive funding from the RCTDA, facility design must provide for tournament play

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

PADDLE TRAILS G OAL S & ACT ION S: 1 Cooperative Management 2.3 Acquire easements or Agreements leases. 1.1 Develop agreements with 2.4 Design and preliminary partners to address access engineering. area management and 3 Implementation maintenance. 3.1 Develop grant funding 2 Easement Acquisition and strategy and timeline. Preliminary Design 3.2 Complete final 2.1 Identify access sites. construction drawings. 2.2 Conduct landowner 3.3 Permitting. outreach in partnership 3.4 Bidding. with the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and 3.5 Construction. Foothills Conservancy.

I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PA R T N E R S » Rutherford County » Rutherford Outdoor Coalition » Foothills Land Conservancy » RCTDA

B U D G E T RA N G E » Unit: Single Paddle Access » Cost: $150,000$200,000

PRIORITY F UN DI N G SOU R C E S » RTP » NCWR » CWMTF » RCTDA

THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS G OAL S & ACT ION S: 1 Planning and Preliminary infrastructure and Design enhancements. 2 Implementation 1.1 Develop a Rail Trail Enhancement Plan that 2.1 Continue implementation highlights opportunities of enhancements in the for public art, sculpture, Thermal Belt Rail Trail Plan. gardens, and pocket parks. 2.2 Develop grant funding 1.2 Conduct a parcel anaysis strategy and timeline. for properties adjacent to 2.3 Final construction the TBRT. drawings. 1.3 Identify additional 2.4 Bidding. infrastructure needs. 2.5 Construction. 1.4 Design and preliminary engineering of additional

I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PA R T N E R S » Thermal Belt Rail Trail Partners

B U D G E T RA N G E » Unit: Lump Sum » Cost: $2-4 million

PRIORITY F UN DI N G SOU R C E S » RHI Legacy » RTP » PARTF

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 89

Implementation Summary (continued) GREENWAYS & TRAILS G OAL S & ACT ION S: 1 Cooperative Management Agreements 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address greenway and trail management and maintenance. 2 Easement Acquisition and Preliminary Design 2.1 Identify priority greenway and trail corridors

3.2 Complete final construction drawings. 3.3 Bidding. 3.4 Construction.

I M PL EMENTATION PA RTNERS » Rutherford County » Rutherford Outdoor Coalition » Municipalities » RCTDA

BUD G E T RA N G E » Unit: Linear Foot » Cost: $150-$250

9 0 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

F UN DI N G SOURC E S » PARTF » RTP » CWMTF » NCWR » People for Bikes » RHI Legacy » RCTDA

PRIORITY

EXISTING COUNTY RECREATION FACILITIES GOAL S & AC T IONS: Maintain & Enhance

4 Develop

1 Cliffside Clocktower 1.1 Identify connecting greenway and trail corridors.

Centralized Recreation Facility in Southern Rutherford County 4.1 Procure property

1.2 Develop grant funding strategy and timeline.

4.2 Design and engineering.

1.3 Conduct landowner outreach in partnership with the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and Foothills Conservancy.

4.3 Implementation.

Decommission & Reinvest in a Centralized Recreation Facility

Bechtler Mint Historic Site 2.1 Prioritize recommendations in the Bechtler Mint Conceptual Site Plan.

Honeysuckle Park

Linder Park

2.2 Develop budget and funding strategy.

Frank West Park

2.3 Design and engineering.

7.1 Request authorization from NCDNCR/LWCF to decommission and reinvest.

2.4 Implementation. 3 Biggerstaff Hanging Tree Site 3.1 Prioritize preservation recommendations in Biggerstaff’s Old Field and Long Farmstead Preservation Master Plan.

3.2 Develop budget and funding strategy.

PRIORITY I M PL EMENTAT ION PARTNERS » Rutherford County

BU DG E T RA N G E » Unit: TBD » Cost: TBD

F UN DI N G SOU R C E S » PARTF

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 91

Implementation Summary (continued) INDOOR AQUATIC & RECREATION CENTER G OAL S & ACT ION S: 3.1 Identify parcels and conduct site suitability analysis.

1 Organizational Structure 1.1 Develop agreements with partners to address facility implementation, management, and maintenance. 2 Budget & Funding Strategy 2.1 Develop funding strategy with County government, Rutherford County Schools, Rutherford County and Forest City Swim Teams. 3 Property Procurement & Preliminary Design

3.2 Conduct landowner outreach and acquisition.

3.3 Design and preliminary engineering. Implementation 4.1 Pursue Federal, State, and Foundation grants. 4.2 Complete final construction drawings. 4.3 Bidding.

B U D G E T RA N G E » Unit: Lump Sum » Cost: $10-15 million

PRIORITY

F UN DI N G SOU R C E S » RHI Legacy » PARTF

4.4 Construction.

REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEMS G OAL S & ACTION S: 1 Planning & Preliminary Design engineering. 1.1 Develop trail master plans 2 Implementation. in partnership with the 2.1 Develop grant funding NC Division of Parks and strategy and timeline. Recreation and other trail 2.2 Final construction partners. drawings. 1.2 Identify priority trail 2.3 Bidding. segments located on publicly controlled lands. 2.4 Construction. 1.3 Design and preliminary

I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PA R T N E R S » Rutherford County » Municipalities » Rutherford County Swim Team » Forest City Swim Team

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PA R T N E R S » Rutherford County » Rutherford Outdoor Coalition » NC State Parks » Conserving Carolina » Foothills Land Conservancy F UN DI N G SOU R C E S » PARTF » RTP

B U D G E T RA N G E Trail » Unit: Linear Foot » Cost: $5-$8 Support Facilities » TBD PRIORITY

RUTHERFORD

PARKS & RECREATION

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

M A S T E R

P L A N

Appendix IN THIS CHAPTER A RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY MATRIX: MOUNTAIN REGION B RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY MATRIX: MAIN STREET REGION C RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY MATRIX: COUNTYWIDE REGION D BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS MATRIX: FACILITIES E BENCHMARK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS MATRIX: DEMOGRAPHICS F THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS MATRIX G RECREATIONAL NEEDS SURVEY RESULTS H FRANK WEST PARK LWCF AGREEMENT I

9 4 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

FRANK WEST PARK DEED

A. Recreation Facilities Inventory Matrix: Mountain Region Facility Name

Park Classification

Location

Adult Baseball Size (acres) Fields

Ball Fields (soccer, Youth football, Baseball/ multipurpos Basketball Adult Softball e fields) Courts

Tennis Courts

Picnic Shelters

Trail Length Playground (miles)

Swimming Golf Pool Course

Lake Lure Classical Academy

School Facility

Lake Lure

33.79

Chimney Rock State Park

State Park

Chimney Rock

6,800

3.5

Rocky Broad River Walk Town Park

Chimney Rock

0.33

Chimney Rock Village Riverside Park Town Park

Chimney Rock

1.51

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

Privately Managed

Lake Lure

Morse Park

Other

Map Code

Region

Mountain

Rocky Broad River access

Mountain

Fishing access, river viewing

Mountain

0.03

Mountain

Town Park

Lake Lure

0.72

gardens, benches benches along trail, visitors center

Lake Lure Town Center Walkway Town Park

Lake Lure

0.75

elevated lakefront boardwalk

Mountain

Lake Lure Beach and Water Park

Town Park

Lake Lure

1.7

lake swimming area, lifeguards, water park

Mountain

DittmerWatts Nature Trail Park Town Park

Lake Lure

3.3

Adjacent to Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course

Mountain

Town Park

Lake Lure

1527

Mountain

Town Park

Lake Lure

Hiking trails, vistas boat launch, lake tour access, picnic tables

Mountain

9-hole course, clubhouse, driving range, putting greens

Mountain

Buffalo Creek Park and Trails Washburn Marina Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course

Town Park

Lake Lure

Bald Mountain Golf Course

Privately Managed

Lake Lure

Mountain

Apple Valley Privately Golf Course Managed

Lake Lure

Mountain

235

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 95

B. Recreation Facilities Inventory Matrix: Main Street Region (1 of 2) Park Facility Name Classification Trinity School R-S Middle School

Adult Baseball Fields

Tennis Courts

Picnic Shelters

Playground

Trail Length (miles)

Swimming Pool

Golf Course

Other

Map Code

School Facility Rutherfordton Unknown

School Facility Rutherfordton

35.11

0.25

Indoor gym

School Facility Spindale

9.05

0.5

Indoor gym

Carver Center School Facility Spindale

3.75

Indoor gym

Spindale Elementary School

Isothermal Community College

Privately Managed

Forest CityDunbar Elementary School

95.26

3.3

Disc Golf Course, Fishing Pond, Indoor Swimming Pool

School Facility Forest City

9.36

adjacent to Summey Park, indoor gym

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Grammar

School Facility Forest City

18.07

0.27

Indoor gym

Forest W. Hunt Elementary School

School Facility Forest City

35.95

Indoor gym

Multiple trailheads/parking areas

B2 B3

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

County Park

Kiwanis Park Town Park Main Street Park Town Park Second Street Park Town Park

Crestview Park Town Park

Location

Size (acres)

Ball Fields Youth (soccer, Baseball/ football, Adult multipurpos Basketball Softball e fields) Courts

Spindale

Forest City, Spindale, Ruth, Rutherfordton , Gilkey

13.5

Rutherfordton

3.7

Pedestrian Bridges, Creek Access, Picnic tables, Grills

Rutherfordton

0.08

Picnic Tables

Rutherfordton

0.17

Rutherfordton

25.9

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

0.33

B4 Concession Stand, Parking Lot, Multipurpose field, restrooms

B. Recreation Facilities Inventory Matrix: Main Street Region (2 of 2) Park Facility Name Classification

Ball Fields (soccer, Youth football, Baseball/ multipurpos Basketball Adult Softball e fields) Courts

Location

Size (acres)

Adult Baseball Fields

Playground

Trail Length (miles)

Swimming Pool

Golf Course

Other

Map Code

1.9

Pedestrian bridges

Tennis Courts

Picnic Shelters

Purple Martin Greenway

Town Park

Rutherfordton

Charles Deviney Park

Town Park

Spindale

18.28

JD Melton Memorial Park Town Park

Spindale

bathrooms

Multiple access points from County facility parking lots

B10

Fairground Road Walking Trail County Park

Forest City

0.55

Charles R. Summey II Park Hardin Road Park

Town Park

Forest City

70.57

0.25

Adjacent to school, parking lots, restrooms

Town Park

Forest City

3.04

bathrooms

B11

Forest City Pavilion on Park Square James F. Crowe Park

Town Park

Forest City

9.62

2 splash pads, outdoor amphitheater

B12

Town Park

Forest City

79.32

Restrooms

B13

3.61

Rutherfordton Community Clubhouse Center Forest City Clubhouse

Community Center

Rutherfordton

Forest City

Located at FC Municipal Golf Course

C2 C3

Municipal Golf Course Town Park

Forest City

57.04

9-hole golf course, clubhouse

Callison Recreation Center

Town Park

Forest City

Fitness Room, indoor gym,

Community Center

Forest City

12.06

Indoor Gym, Heritage Museum

Town Park

Forest City

Indoor Gym

Old Dunbar Community Center Cool Springs Recreation Center

McNair Field

Town Park

Forest City

7.42

Professional ball field, concessions, 2,000 seat stadium

Spindale House

Town Park, Community Center

Spindale

2.22

Indoor gym, fitness room, meeting space

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 97

C. Recreation Facilities Inventory Matrix: Countywide Region (1 of 2) Park Facility Name Classification Pinnacle Elementary School

School Facility Gilkey

R-S Central High School Mt. VernonRuth Elementary School

38.1

Youth Baseball/ Adult Softball

Ball Fields (soccer, football, multipurpose Basketball fields) Courts

Trail Length Swimming (miles) Pool

Tennis Courts

Picnic Shelters

Playground

Golf Course

Other

Map Code

Indoor gym

0.5

School Facility Rutherfordton 187.74

School Facility Ruth

26.19

1.5

Indoor gym

Rutherfordton Elementary School

School Facility Rutherfordton

27.03

Indoor gym

Harris Elementary School

School Facility Harris

52.22

Indoor gym

School Facility Harris

indoor gym

Chase Middle School Chase High School

Location

Adult Baseball Size (acres) Fields

School Facility Harris

128.7

0.25

Indoor gym

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Middle/High

School Facility Caroleen

65.88

Indoor gym

Cliffside Elementary School

School Facility Cliffside

26.81

0.04

Indoor gym

East Rutherford High School

School Facility Forest City

65.75

0.25

Indoor gym

A10

Ellenboro Elementary School

School Facility Ellenboro

36.59

Indoor gym

A11

East Rutherford Middle School

School Facility Bostic

36.59

Indoor gym

A12

Sunshine Elementary School

School Facility Bostic

53.8

Indoor gym

A13

R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

C. Recreation Facilities Inventory Matrix: Countywide Region (2 of 2) Park Facility Name Classification Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park

Linder Park Frank West Park Honeysuckle Park

County Park

Location

Rutherfordton

Adult Baseball Size (acres) Fields

3.22

Youth Baseball/ Adult Softball

Ball Fields (soccer, football, Basketball multipurpose fields) Courts

Tennis Courts

Picnic Shelters

Playground

Trail Length Swimming (miles) Pool

0.19

Golf Course

Other

Map Code

Sheltered bench, interactive historic installations

County Park

Harris

14.9

Gym, Concession Building, Restrooms, Parking Lot

County Park

Caroleen

27.2

0.5

Fishing Pond

County Park

Cliffside

12.33

Concession Stand, Parking Lot

Bostic

1.74

Restrooms

Ellenboro

0.78

Max Gunter Park Town Park Ellenboro Town Park Town Park Biggerstaff Hanging Tree Site

County Park

Sunshine

17.08

0.17

South Mountains Game Lands

State Game Lands

Sunshine

21,822

Bills Creek Community Center

Community Center

Bills Creek

3.85

Whitehouse Community Center

Community Center

Union Mills

2.75

0.2

Green Hill Community Center

Community Center

Green Hill

6.25

Gilkey School Community Center

Community Center

Gilkey

4.54

Indoor Gym

Union Mills Learning Center

Community Center

Union Mills

6.86

Indoor Gym

Mt. Vernon Community Clubhouse

Community Center

Ruth

1.16

Golden Valley Community Club

Community Center

Golden Valley

2.4

Cleghorn Plantation

Privately Managed

Rutherfordton 196.77

18 hole golf course

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 99

D. Benchmark Community Analysis Matrix: Facilities Rutherford County

Franklin County

Rockingham County

Surry County

Wilkes County

67,734

60,619

93,634

73,673

69,340

74.7

32.4

151

Baseball Fields (youth)

Baseball Fields (adult)

Multipurpose Fields

Soccer Fields

Tennis Courts

Basketball Courts

Playgrounds

Trails (miles)

26.6

1.3

0.5

1.5

2.8

Pool Facility Splash Pad/Outdoor Water Feature

Dog Park

Population Total Park/Recreation Facilities Open Space Acreage

100 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

E. Benchmark Community Analysis Matrix: Demographics

Rutherford Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan: Benchmark Communities County

Population Density Median Total Area Population Age (sq. miles) (persons/sq. mile)

Median Household Income

Income

Median Home Value

% Difference fr om Ruther for d

Value

County County Budget Major/Minor Highway % Difference Recreation Proximity (2018-2019) Department fr om Ruther for d

Rutherford County

67,734

44.5

566

117

$38,573

$109,000

Rockingham County

93,643

44.4

573

166

$41,700

8.1%

$109,600

-0.5%

Wilkes County

69,340

44.1

757

$37,173

-3.6%

$123,700

13.5%

Yes

Surry County

73,673

43.4

536

138

$39,071

1.3%%

$120,900

10.9%%

Yes

Franklin County

60,619

40.9

494

123

$48,344

25.0%

$140,300

28.7%%

Yes

15 miles from I-40; $63,588,267 Hwy 74 runs through county 15 miles north of I-40; $90,031,311 Hwy 311 runs through county 5 miles from I-77; $79,825,732 Hwy 421 runs through county $78,631,664 I-77 and Hwy 52 run through county 10-15 miles from I-85 $81,622,504 and I-95; Hwy 401 runs through county

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 01

F. Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancements Matrix TBRT Planning Section 1. Gilkey

2. Rutherfordton

3. Spindale

4. Forest City

Project #

Cross Street

Enhancements

Darlington Road

Gilboa Church Road

Broyhill Road

Rock Road

Highway 64

Church Street

Fitness Stations

North Oak Street

Spindale Plaza; Old Depot parking

Tanner Street

Downtown Spindale trailhead

Illinois Street/Oakland Road

Fitness stations; bicycle pump track; Oakland Road trailhead

Method Drive

Traffic control improvements

Clay Street

Callison Recreation Center trailhead

Green Street

Florence Mill trailhead; picnic pavilion; dog park

Depot Street

Courtesy bicycle repair station

Lark Street

Accessible playground

Pine Street

Pine Street trailhead

Forest West Hunt Drive:

Forest Hunt trailhead

102 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Gilkey Trailhead Connector trail to Bechtler Mint Historic Site Fitness stations; traffic control improvements Fitness stations; traffic control improvements; Overmountain Victory Trail connection Proposed signalized crosswalk; Ruth Trailhead

Clay Street Pool Forest City Pavilion on...

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results Main Street Park

Charles B. Deviney Park

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

J.D. Melton Memorial Par...

Q1 Which of the following public parks or facilities in Rutherfordton, Hardin Road Forest City, and Park Spindale have you or members of your household used, visited, or participated in recreation programs at within the past 12 Second Street Park months? Check all that apply. 0%

10%

20%

30% 40% 60%101 70% Answered: 1,039 50% Skipped:

80%

Crestview Park

Purple Martin Greenway James F. Crowe Park

90% 100%

McNair Field

ANSWER CHOICES Crestview Park

RESPONSES

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Purple Martin Greenway James F. Crowe Park

2 / 36

51.88%

539

45.43%

472

43.41%

451

McNair Field

38.50%

400

Spindale House

24.35%

253

Callison's Recreation Center

22.14%

230

Other (please specify)

19.73%

205

Charles R. Summey II Park

15.59%

162

Forest City Golf Course

15.59%

162

Rutherfordton Clubhouse

15.21%

158

Kiwanis Park

12.80%

133

Clay Street Pool

12.32%

128

Forest City Pavilion on Park Square

10.88%

113

Main Street Park

8.95%

Charles B. Deviney Park

4.04%

J.D. Melton Memorial Park (Old Police Club Park)

3.75%

Hardin Road Park

3.56%

Second Street Park

1.44%

Total Respondents: 1,039

Spindale House

Callison's Recreation... Other (please specify) Charles R. Summey II Park Forest City Golf Course Rutherfordton Clubhouse

Kiwanis Park

Clay Street Pool Forest City Pavilion on... Main Street Park Charles B. Deviney Park J.D. Melton Memorial Par... Hardin Road Park Second Street Park 0%

1 / 36

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Crestview Park

51.88%

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 103

2 / 36

539

Center Walkway

Morse Park

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Buffalo Creek Park

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Washburn Marina

Q2 Which of the following public parks or facilities in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area have you or members of your household used, visited, or participated in recreation programs at within the past 12 months? Check all that apply. Answered: 835

Rumbling Bald Climbing Area Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail... Other (please specify) Weed Patch Mountain Trail

Skipped: 305

Chimney Rock State Park Flowering Bridge Chimney Rock River Walk

20%

30%

40%

50%

Buffalo Creek Park

Washburn Marina

408

Flowering Bridge

47.43%

396

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 44.19%

369

42.28%

353

200

Buffalo Creek Park

125

Washburn Marina

13.65%

114

Rumbling Bald Climbing Area

13.05%

109

Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park

11.74%

Other (please specify)

8.26%

Weed Patch Mountain Trail

6.47%

Other (please specify) Weed Patch Mountain Trail 30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Chimney Rock State Park

48.86%

408

Flowering Bridge

47.43%

396

44.19% Chimney Walk 104 RRock UT HRiver E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

4 / 36

279 256

23.95%

Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail...

20%

33.41% 30.66%

14.97%

Rumbling Bald Climbing Area

10%

4 / 36

Morse Park

Total Respondents: 835

90% 100%

48.86%

Lake Lure Town Center Walkway

Morse Park

80%

RESPONSES

Lake Lure Beach & Water Park

Lake Lure Town Center Walkway

70%

ANSWER CHOICES

Chimney Rock Village River Park

Chimney Rock Village Rive...

60%

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock River Walk

Lake Lure Beach & Wate...

10%

369

Fairground Road County... Honeysuckle Park Broad River Paddle Trail

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Other (please specify)

Old Harris Q3 Which of the following public parks or facilities in Rutherford County School Gym &... have you or members of your household used, visited, or participated in Frank West Park recreation programs at within the past 12 months? Check all that apply.

Answered: 846

Skipped: 294

Max Gunter Park

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Isothermal Community... Ellenboro Town Park Isothermal Community... Fairground Road County...

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

59.69%

505

Isothermal Community College Walking Trails

33.92%

287

Ellenboro Town Park

13.12%

111

Isothermal Community College Pool

12.88%

109

Fairground Road County Walking Trail

11.82%

100

Honeysuckle Park

9.22%

9.10%

Broad River Paddle Trail

Honeysuckle Park

Other (please specify)

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Old Harris School Gym & Ball Fields (Linder Park)

Broad River Paddle Trail

6 / 36

Frank West Park Other (please specify)

90% 100%

Max Gunter Park

8.98%

8.63%

5.67%

0.83%

Total Respondents: 846 Old Harris School Gym &...

Frank West Park

Max Gunter Park

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Thermal Belt Rail Trail

59.69%

505

Isothermal Community College Walking Trails

33.92%

287

Ellenboro Town Park

13.12%

111

Isothermal Community College Pool

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 105 12.88% 109

Fairground Road County Walking Trail

11.82%

100

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q4 Which of the following community centers have you or members of your household used, visited, or participated in recreation programs at within the past 12 months? Check all that apply. Answered: 425

Skipped: 715

Other (please specify) Gilkey Community... Union Mills Learning Center Bills Creek Community... Golden Valley Community Club Old Dunbar Community... Whitehouse Community... 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Other (please specify)

35.29%

150

Gilkey Community Center

26.35%

112

Union Mills Learning Center

21.41%

Bills Creek Community Center

11.53%

Golden Valley Community Club

10.82%

Old Dunbar Community Center

9.41%

Whitehouse Community Center

4.94%

Total Respondents: 425

106 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q5 Do you or members of your household use any public school or private facilities (playgrounds, sports fields, gyms) in Rutherford County for parks, recreation, and leisure activities that are personal and not school sponsored? If so, please list. Answered: 1,046

Skipped: 94

Yes

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Yes

41.49%

434

59.08%

618

Total Respondents: 1,046

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 107

Equestrian

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Skateboarding

Q6 Please indicate which of the following outdoor recreation activities you Other (please or members of your household participate or are interested in. Check all specify) that apply. 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answered: 1,020 ANSWER CHOICES Walking

60%

70%

80%

Walking

90% 100%

Skipped: 120 Hiking

RESPONSES

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational89.31% Needs

911

66.27%

676

57.75%

589

Picnicking

57.55%

587

Fishing

52.25%

533

Camping

49.90%

509

Tubing/Kayaking/Paddling

47.94%

489

Gardening

36.47%

372

Running

35.98%

367

Boating

31.27%

319

Road Biking

28.82%

294

Target Shooting

27.65%

282

Hunting

23.33%

238

Equestrian

16.76%

171

Mountain Biking

16.27%

166

Rock Climbing

9.41%

Skateboarding

9.12%

Other (please specify)

8.63%

Hiking Swimming

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

11 / 36

Swimming

Picnicking

Fishing

Camping

Tubing/Kayaking /Paddling

Gardening

Running

Boating

Road Biking

Target Shooting

Hunting

Equestrian

Total Respondents: 1,020 Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing

Skateboarding

Other (please specify) 0%

108 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Walking

89.31%

11 / 36

90% 100%

Gymnastics

Volleyball

Tennis

Horseshoes

Senior sports/activ...

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Other (please specify)

Swimming

Q7 Please indicate which of the following sports activities you or members Shuffleboard of your household participate or are interested in. Check all that apply. 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answered: 948

50%

Cornhole

80%

90% 100%

Soccer

Cornhole

RESPONSES

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational49.26% Needs 41.46%

Youth sports/activities Soccer

70%

Skipped: 192

ANSWER CHOICES Swimming

60%

Youth sports/activ...

14 / 36

467 393

39.03%

370

32.17%

305

Adult sports/activities

31.01%

294

Basketball

30.17%

286

Baseball

27.11%

257

Organized Sports Leagues

26.58%

252

Golf

24.79%

235

Softball

22.68%

215

Football

22.36%

212

Gymnastics

19.83%

188

Volleyball

19.73%

187

Tennis

19.51%

185

Adult sports/activ...

Basketball

Baseball

Organized Sports Leagues

Golf

Softball

Football

Gymnastics

Horseshoes

17.51%

166

Senior sports/activities

13.29%

126

Other (please specify)

10.02%

Shuffleboard

6.96%

Volleyball

Tennis

Horseshoes

Total Respondents: 948 Senior sports/activ... Other (please specify)

Shuffleboard

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

ANSWER CHOICES

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

RESPONSES

R U THERSwimming FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E 49.26% MAST ER PL A N 109

14 / 36

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q8 Please indicate which of the following organized activities you or members of your household participate or are interested in. Check all that apply. Answered: 859

Skipped: 281

Special Events

Nature Programs/Gui...

Performing Arts

Wellness & Healthy Livi...

Educational Classes

Other (please specify) 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Special Events

58.21%

500

Nature Programs/Guided Hikes

55.65%

478

Performing Arts

52.97%

455

Wellness & Healthy Living Classes

50.17%

431

Educational Classes

39.81%

342

Other (please specify)

6.64%

Total Respondents: 859

110 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q9 In your opinion, what are the three most important recreational activities Rutherford County should make a priority? Answered: 796

ANSWER CHOICES

Skipped: 344

Where Should Rutherford Start? RESPONSES 100.00%

796

91.71% 730 We asked a series of open ended questions.......

77.89%

Recreational Activities

Top responses (open ended):

620

Recreational Facilities

Hiking

Trails

Walking

Parks

Soccer

Sports Complex

Swimming

Pools

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 1 1

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q10 Please indicate which of the following community recreation facilities you or members of your household use or are interested in. Check all that apply. Answered: 905

Skipped: 235

Community Recreation...

Outdoor Splash Pad/Waterpark

Indoor Swimming Pool

Multi-sport Complex with...

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Other (please specify) 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Community Recreation Center/Fitness Facilities (activity classrooms, cardio/strength rooms, gyms)

70.72%

640

Outdoor Splash Pad/Waterpark

62.43%

565

Indoor Swimming Pool

60.00%

543

Multi-sport Complex with a variety of playing fields (soccer, football, baseball, etc.)

58.67%

531

Outdoor Swimming Pool

46.52%

421

Other (please specify)

11.82%

107

Total Respondents: 905

112 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Traditional Playgrounds...

Dog Park

Green Maintained O... Beach (sand) Volleyball...

Disc Golf

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs Mountain Bike Skills...

Q11 Please indicate which of the following park facilities youSkateboarding or members Park of your household use or are interested in. Check all that apply. Answered: 925

Other (please specify)

Skipped: 215

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

Adventure Playgrounds... Natural Playgrounds... Traditional Playgrounds...

Dog Park

Green Maintained O... Beach (sand) Volleyball...

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Adventure Playgrounds (uses natural logs, wooden timbers and poles, and ropes to create elevated walkways, rope bridges, monkey rings, slides, and treehouses)

68.00%

629

Natural Playgrounds (uses natural materials like rocks and logs and involves direct, multi-sensory, physical interaction with nature in an informal setting)

62.16%

575

Traditional Playgrounds (rigid plastic or wooden equipment found in typical playground settings)

46.16%

427

Dog Park

45.41%

420

Green Maintained Open Space

42.59%

394

Beach (sand) Volleyball Courts

28.00%

259

Disc Golf

23.68%

219

Mountain Bike Skills Park/Pump Track

17.84%

165

16.11%

149

7.14%

Disc Golf

Skateboarding Park Mountain Bike Skills...

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Other (please specify)

19 / 36

Total Respondents: 925

Skateboarding Park Other (please specify) 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Adventure Playgrounds (uses natural logs, wooden timbers and poles, and ropes to create elevated walkways, rope bridges, monkey rings, slides, and treehouses)

68.00%

629

Natural Playgrounds (uses natural materials like rocks and logs and involves direct, multi-sensory, physical interaction with nature in an informal setting)

62.16%

575

Traditional Playgrounds (rigid plastic or wooden equipment found in typical playground settings)

46.16% 427 R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 1 3

Dog Park

45.41%

420

Green Maintained Open Space

42.59%

394

Answered: 923

Skipped: 217

Asphalt/Paved Trails

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Hiking-only Natural Surf... River Access Areas for...

Outdoor Fitness... Off-highway Vehicle...

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Gravel Trails

Q12 Please indicate which of the following outdoor recreation facilities Mountain Bike Natural Surf... you or members of your household use or are interested in. Check all Equestrian that apply. Natural Surf... Answered: 923

Skipped: 217

Other (please specify)

Asphalt/Paved Trails

Hiking-only Natural Surf... River Access Areas for... Outdoor Fitness... Off-highway Vehicle...

Gravel Trails

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

74.86%

691

Hiking-only Natural Surface Trails

62.08%

573

River Access Areas for Boating & Paddling

55.90%

516

Outdoor Fitness Stations

39.76%

367

Off-highway Vehicle (OHV/ATV) Trails

27.74%

256

Gravel Trails

27.52%

254

Mountain Bike Natural Surface Trails

23.08%

213

Equestrian Natural Surface Trails

14.30%

132

Other (please specify)

4.33%

21 / 36

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

RESPONSES

Other (please specify) 10%

80%

ANSWER CHOICES

Equestrian Natural Surf...

70%

Asphalt/Paved Trails

Total Respondents: 923

Mountain Bike Natural Surf...

60%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Asphalt/Paved Trails

74.86%

691

Hiking-only Natural Surface Trails

62.08%

573

River Access Areas for Boating & Paddling

55.90%

516

Outdoor Fitness Stations

39.76%

367

Off-highway Vehicle (OHV/ATV) Trails

27.74%

256

27.52% 114 UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N GravelRTrails

254

Mountain Bike Natural Surface Trails

23.08%

213

Equestrian Natural Surface Trails

14.30%

132

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q13 In your opinion, what are the three most important recreational facilities Rutherford County should make a priority?

Where Should Rutherford Start? Answered: 593

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

We asked a series of open ended questions....... Recreational Activities

Skipped: 547

100.00%

593

88.03%

522

74.20%

440

Recreational Top responses (open ended): Facilities

Hiking

Trails

Walking

Parks

Soccer

Sports Complex

Swimming

Pools

THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 1 5 22R/U36

Ages 23-29

Ages 30-39

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Ages 40-49

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Ages 50-59

Ages 60+

Q14 Please tell us how many people are in your household by age: Answered: 939

Skipped: 201

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

Number of People in Household Number of People in Household

Ages 0-5

19.20% 62

50.77% 164

25.70% 83

3.41% 11

0.93% 3

0.00% 0

323

Ages 6-10

13.15% 43

60.24% 197

22.32% 73

3.98% 13

0.00% 0

0.31% 1

0.00% 0

327

Ages 11-13

20.69% 48

59.91% 139

17.67% 41

0.86% 2

0.43% 1

0.00% 0

0.43% 1

232

Ages 14-18

17.20% 43

62.00% 155

17.60% 44

3.20% 8

0.00% 0

250

Ages 6-10

Ages 11-13

Ages 14-18

TOTAL

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs Ages 19-22

Ages 19-22

31.06% 50

50.93% 82

14.29% 23

3.11% 5

0.62% 0.00% 123 / 36 0

0.00% 0

161

Ages 23-29

24.04% 50

37.02% 77

35.58% 74

2.88% 6

0.48% 1

0.00% 0

208

Ages 30-39

9.09% 32

36.36% 128

53.98% 190

0.57% 2

0.00% 0

352

Ages 40-49

8.80% 30

45.75% 156

44.57% 152

0.59% 2

0.00% 0

0.29% 1

0.00% 0

341

Ages 50-59

14.95% 45

46.84% 141

37.87% 114

0.33% 1

0.00% 0

301

Ages 60+

16.29% 43

35.23% 93

47.35% 125

0.38% 1

0.00% 0

0.38% 1

0.00% 0

264

Ages 23-29

Ages 30-39

Ages 40-49

Ages 50-59

Ages 60+

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

10 Number of People in Household 0

TOTAL

Ages 0-5 19.20% 50.77% 25.70% 3.41% 0.93% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 116 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N 62 164 83 11 3 0 0 0 0 0

0.00% 0

323

Ages 6-10

0.00% 0

327

13.15% 43

60.24% 197

22.32% 73

3.98% 13

0.00% 0

0.31% 1

0.00% 0

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q15 Do you feel that you and members of your household have access to adequate opportunities to lead healthy and active lives? Answered: 931

Q16 Please list any recreational opportunities/experiences that are missing in Rutherford County. Answered: 547

Skipped: 593

Skipped: 209

Yes

Where Can Rutherford Do Better? Top responses (open ended):

We asked a series of open ended questions....... No

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Yes

68.31%

636

31.69%

295

TOTAL

Parks

Trails

931

Sports Complex

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 1 7

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q17 Which age group do you feel is most in need of additional recreational opportunities in Rutherford County? Please choose one. Answered: 885

Skipped: 255

Adults

Elementary School or...

Middle School

High School

Seniors

Other (please specify)

None

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Adults

28.93%

256

Elementary School or Younger

24.75%

219

Middle School

16.61%

147

High School

11.64%

103

Seniors

8.70%

Other (please specify)

5.65%

None

3.73%

TOTAL

118 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

33 885

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q17 Which age group do you feel is most in need of additional recreational opportunities in Rutherford County? Please choose one. Answered: 885

Skipped: 255

Adults

Elementary School or...

Middle School

High School

Seniors

Other (please specify)

None

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Adults

28.93%

256

Elementary School or Younger

24.75%

219

Middle School

16.61%

147

High School

11.64%

103

Seniors

8.70%

Other (please specify)

5.65%

None

3.73%

TOTAL

885

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 1 9

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q18 Please provide any additional comments that you may have regarding recreational opportunities (activities, programs, and facilities) in Rutherford County. Answered: 275

Skipped: 865

RESPONSES

DATE

I would like to see more restroom facilities along the trails

4/11/2019 9:46 AM 4/10/2019 11:02 PM

We need a place where we can exercise or have activities in the winter/bad weather

Need a YMCA with comprehensive programming for all age groups

4/10/2019 10:47 PM

I am grateful for what we already have!

4/10/2019 8:33 PM

Bocce courts should be located in city parks near town centers.

4/10/2019 6:49 PM

none

4/10/2019 4:37 PM

ROC, and the three municipalities do a good job in their towns but a county wide program might better meet the needs of the county as a whole. Have seen it down better. Look at Franklin Co Va. for an example. Great county program!

4/10/2019 3:47 PM

think young

4/10/2019 3:32 PM

new pool is desperately needed.ICC indoor pool is in need of constant maintenance. A county pool with a bubble or other means for winter use would be ideal

4/10/2019 3:29 PM

ICC provides some options for lesson/fitness classes but very limited. Boating is only in lake lure area. School playgrounds are not used after school hours. Sidewalks in most of the county would allow for everyone to walk to locations instead of driving due to traffic issues, especially as you get farther out from towns.

4/10/2019 2:46 PM

Need a YMCA

4/10/2019 1:14 PM

none

4/10/2019 12:33 PM

Programs where families can participate - swimming, bike riding, walking, play grounds, etc in different areas of the county not just the "cities". Community playgrounds along the rails to trails would be great then the walking and bike riding would already be there. For example, a playground area near the Bechtler's Mint Site. Educational opportunity, playground, and walking/biking in one stop and free. Donation Box could be placed to help keep it up.

4/10/2019 11:44 AM

There are stretches of the Rails to Trails that seem like they go through less safe areas. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hike them alone. Perhaps address this (patrols, call boxes)

4/10/2019 11:19 AM

I think a key to recruiting and retaining young adults in the area will be providing additional robust indoor and outdoor recreational activities

4/10/2019 9:47 AM

Kids are begging for a local skateboard park

4/9/2019 5:34 PM

Seems that the majority of the recreational facilities/activities are located in Forest City. Would like to see more county wide.

4/9/2019 5:33 PM

Build fishing ponds

4/9/2019 8:19 AM

Rutherford County needs a YMCA

4/9/2019 7:58 AM

The lower end of Rutherford county gets left out on all opportunities especially Honeysuckle park and cliffside schooling

4/8/2019 10:22 PM

Anything like skateboarding to nature walks

4/8/2019 10:11 PM

Adult leagues for all sports throughout the year.

4/8/2019 9:36 PM

120 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

171 / 191

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 23

Tammy ashe is a terrible principal and should be fired. Mulitple children are being abused during school hours and she nor the vice principal care. It is terrible that as a parent we have to resort to surveys that don't pertain to schools to have our voice heard. Janet mason is terrible as well. She overlooks the serious issues that kill children every day

4/8/2019 8:36 PM

The Broad River could be a great outdoor opportunity for the citizens of Rutherford County. I’ve been fishing Broad River from Harris to S.C. for over twenty years. The only true access to the in the lower end of the county is in Boiling Springs. The Greenway in Boiling Springs has access to the River pick nick areas and walking/ biking trails. Duke power could improve there portage around the dam. I’ve seen more and more people on the River over the years. But it would be nice to have nice access areas on 221,221-a and in Harris. That way if you wanted to take an hour or two float or and all day float you would have proper access.

4/8/2019 8:15 PM

The children here need more options. Some of our parks and walk ways are Filled with drunks and drug users. Needles , cans trash, dead animals

4/8/2019 7:37 PM

If we want our county to continue to grow and be healthy, our county government must invest in facilities.

4/8/2019 3:51 PM

Thanks for the survey!

4/8/2019 12:22 PM

Thanks for inviting public input. Please make sure you publicize and promote the results as much as you have promoted the survey itself.

4/7/2019 12:17 PM

Family activities seem to make the most sense with a variety of levels for our various age groups. Dog parks make a lot of sense, perhaps mixed with natural activity areas for children to play and rest areas for seniors.

4/7/2019 11:08 AM

The rail trail is nice, but paved trails are harder to walk. Also, closeby traffic noise is a problem for some people & our dogs.

4/7/2019 10:20 AM 4/7/2019 10:06 AM

More middle age community events.

Lake Lure needs a dog park! Other facilities for locals and tourist to enjoy in The Gorge.

4/7/2019 9:14 AM

My husband joined the Y in Hendersonville so he can swim laps. He'd prefer to stay in Rutgerford County. Everyone we've talked to ( a lot of people) want a dog park but there is none nearby. We walk our dogs daily off leash.

4/7/2019 7:58 AM

4/6/2019 2:34 PM

Is really like to see a small fitness center for the community.

Looking forward to the Lake Lure Academy expanding community recreation

4/6/2019 10:04 AM

We need more bigger better parks for families to do with out having to go out of town, like Shelby and Greenville has

4/5/2019 10:04 PM

Please invest in a multi sports complex for our kids. We are far behind the surrounding areas. Time to invest in our children

4/5/2019 7:46 PM

Need more publicity on what’s available

4/5/2019 5:38 PM

This county has far too many separate run down sports leagues with terrible facilities and bad lighting and parking. Make a county used sports complex. Look at Spartanburgs for even a hint of what one should look like.

4/5/2019 4:49 PM

All of these ideas need to be advertised better and make maps of all these facilities so visitors and residents know about them.

4/5/2019 1:41 PM

Indoor and Outdoor Athletic Complex, Program Management. Penetration into schools at earliest ages

4/5/2019 11:58 AM

We urgently need a multi sports park facility for our youth. this is extrememly important for Rutherford county

4/5/2019 6:57 AM

I think you have it covered

4/5/2019 12:28 AM

None

4/4/2019 9:27 PM

Community ymca, larger performing arts,

4/4/2019 6:23 PM

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.

4/4/2019 5:36 PM

We are desperate for a multi sports park. We are getting left behind by surrounding counties. We are years behind on building a multi sports park

4/4/2019 4:19 PM

172 / 191 R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 21

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 48

Rutherford commissioners have dropped the ball and are not moving rutherford county forward at all....lazy...no new ideas

4/4/2019 11:30 AM

The County should partner with the towns to help fund programs offered and help pay for new programs and actitivies for the community.

4/4/2019 9:55 AM

I strongly feel that we need the baseball/softball complex to support more youth physical activity. It would also be a good idea to have soccer field(s) within the complex.

4/4/2019 9:29 AM

Indoor basketball facility

4/3/2019 6:01 PM

Not everyone is an athlete some other forms of fitness can be appreciated other than traditional sports

4/3/2019 6:00 PM 4/3/2019 12:56 PM

I think a YMCA would allow kids to be active and people would not have to drive to Boiling Springs.

You see different activities for young and for seniors but not much for the working parents

4/3/2019 10:39 AM

I think Rutherford County has done very well in the past few years to enhance public spaces. I think if the county could attract/encourage private business investment for recreational venues it will help our communities to flourish by attracting people outside our area, or across county communities.

4/3/2019 10:35 AM

It would be really nice to see more recreational activities in every town since today’s people are very deprived of outdoor activities because of the increased about of technology

4/3/2019 9:13 AM

We need to invest in youth. Our parents have a limited amount of money and most have to take their kids out of town to play sports. Sad.

4/3/2019 6:01 AM

N/A

4/3/2019 12:31 AM

Western area needs more walking paths

4/3/2019 12:30 AM

Would love to see an ATV park in the Golden Valley area. Public ponds for fishing (same area), and some kind of swimming opportunities. Jellystone should offer day passes

4/2/2019 11:34 PM

YMCA

4/2/2019 8:02 PM

Would love a dog park and mountain bikes trails ��♀️

4/2/2019 7:07 PM

I would really like to see More outdoor activities brought to the area such as mountain bike trails, hiking trails, disk golf, etc. I feel that the rails to trails and the pavilion is a wonderful start and I’m glad to call this county my home. Keep up the good work!

4/2/2019 6:49 PM

YMCA

4/2/2019 5:06 PM

Educational classes on local plants and herbs on a regular basis. Free music concerts in an outdoor setting allowing for fair type food and drinks to be sold at such.

4/2/2019 4:25 PM

We need these parks fixed for these kids they're not being properly maintained, especially crowe park!

4/2/2019 4:08 PM

Access to gymnastics for everyone. Fishing experience for every age.

4/2/2019 3:39 PM

I love the direction we seem to be headed as a county with the new recreational options being added, it’s an exciting time, keep up the good work!

4/2/2019 3:31 PM

Do not put pickle ball courts in parks. To noisy!!!

4/2/2019 3:16 PM

Traffic light to help folks cross the roads on the rail trail

4/2/2019 3:08 PM

I am excited to hear about the amphitheater in downtown Forest City. I hope it will be used for quality family entertainment

4/2/2019 2:19 PM

None

4/2/2019 1:49 PM

Thank you for the opportunity to give feedback. :-)

4/2/2019 1:43 PM

A centralized web-site where you could go to find out about various activities in Rutherford County as whole without the need for a subscription to the newspaper and going to each locality or group's web-site

4/2/2019 1:35 PM

122 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

173 / 191

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 75

I think what Rutherford Outdoor Coalition does is awesome. I walk in their sponsored walking club sometimes. It's great to have organized activities, but ROC could offer more. A place to go and ask questions, meet, sign up for activities, and to learn would be great. Or a network of places in rutherford county with a central hub. Something combining features of community centers, libraries, kiosks, and visitor centers, but for a recreational purpose. Or make that idea digital, with real locations to meet and take classes, but not building anything new for it. I just want to know what's out there.

4/2/2019 1:07 PM

We need more wellness facilities throughout the county.

4/2/2019 1:05 PM

Dog parks, adventure playgrounds, organized sports leagues (youth and adult), Performing arts opportunity, cultural experiences (help people be proud of where we live and come from), and did I mention Lacrosse?

4/2/2019 12:46 PM

We need a dog park in lake Lure!

4/2/2019 12:37 PM

Would like to see more activity options for kids that are both Indoor and outdoor

4/2/2019 12:18 PM

Our kids need more things to take them outside and away from the all consuming video games. We have a great start but we need to do more. Also travel sports are growing exponentially. The basketball does a good job of hosting tournaments but multiple travel baseball and softball organizations leave our county every week and travel to a neighboring county or state to play. If we had the facilities (and kept them maintained) we could host these tournaments and keep that money here while bringing in more people to the county. Some may think we have enough fields, but baseball and softball are so big in our county right now when little league takes over the recreational fields you can't find an open field or spot. I can't tell you how many times we just wanted to get together with our family and take our child to practice fielding or hitting and not be able to find an open field anywhere in the county. Our options for after school and summer activities are limited for elementary school kids, they need a fun camp type place to go rather than parents having to take their kids to Shelby to the YMCA. Middle school kids are often times left out and left home playing video games during the summer too, these kids aren't old enough to get places on their own but old enough to leave at home alone. If they had a safe place to go and have fun with their friends it would keep them out of trouble and help keep them active.

4/2/2019 11:53 AM

Dog park

4/2/2019 11:44 AM

Thank you so much for all that you do for Rutherford County! Thank you for creating this survey. We love living here!!!

4/2/2019 11:08 AM

Seriously, we need a dog park.

4/2/2019 10:53 AM

There are so many more activities available with the rail trail than before. I am excited about Rutherford County is doing.

4/2/2019 10:38 AM

See answer 16

4/2/2019 10:10 AM

Thanks for taking the time to gather opinions. I hope you get some helpful results!

4/2/2019 10:08 AM

I'm very excited about this survey because it means something is in the works. The work I've seen accomplished in the last few years is wonderful and very promising. Show off the beauty of the county with trails and natural parks. Throw in some history lessons with it. We travel to hike and explore I'm sure many others do as well. It would be nice to be able to do that here and recommend others to come and do the same. We go to the Virgina creeper trail alot but that will be cut down now that the thermal is here. So thank you!!

4/2/2019 10:00 AM

Affordability is key. Love the Rail Trail, love the splash pad...we just can't make people feel like they aren't allowed to use things because they don't have the money.

4/2/2019 9:52 AM

Just from the list, I see there are multiple facilities that I wasn't aware of. Promotion of these opportunities may fill some of the needs/wants you find from completing this survey

4/2/2019 9:50 AM

WE NEED A YMCA FACILITY

4/2/2019 9:45 AM

There is an overall lack of awareness, etiquette and educational opportunities for those seeking information.

4/2/2019 9:39 AM

Please commit to making a public equestrian park!

4/2/2019 9:36 AM

Dog Park Please :)

4/2/2019 9:34 AM

the young kids have opportunities the teens need the help

4/2/2019 9:20 AM

174 / 191

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 123

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 95

If there was an indoor pool for lap swimming, free swimming as well as water arobics you could teach many different types of class all year.

4/2/2019 9:07 AM

Any family activityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

4/2/2019 9:00 AM

All ages of children need more to do in this county.

4/2/2019 8:45 AM

There is no organization in sports leagues in Rutherford County. Merging the Little League programs and having an up to date multi-sports complex will create a better experience and atmosphere for the athletes to be successful.

4/2/2019 8:05 AM

The before school age and the elderly

4/2/2019 8:01 AM

100

There are multiple abandoned construction vehicles along the Purple Martin Greenway. Cleared and properly secured they could make a wonderful and unique playground facility that would be a draw to many from both the county and surrounding areas

4/2/2019 7:48 AM

101

Great work so far on rail trails, Purple Martin Greenway, etc. We are blessed with many beautiful spaces. Awareness via organized activities and marketing to families could go a long way in improving the wellness of our community through use of these and new resources.

4/2/2019 7:01 AM

102

Indoor pool that is clean and heated. Please help us with this. I am very serious. This is a genuine need in our County

4/2/2019 6:49 AM

103

Since there are so many low income families, things like playgrounds and trails that require no purchased equipment to enjoy them, should be high on the list of priorities in my opinion.

4/2/2019 12:09 AM

104

Thank you

4/2/2019 12:01 AM

105

Very few programs from babies. We drive to Polk county or Buncombe County for most activities appropriate For babies and toddlers.

4/1/2019 11:35 PM

106

N/A

4/1/2019 11:33 PM

107

Completion of Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail "on the ground"

4/1/2019 10:50 PM

108

Keep it up. The more motion, the better. Human beings are designed to MOVE!

4/1/2019 10:39 PM

109

Stated my thoughts above

4/1/2019 10:27 PM

110

We need a dog park!!!!

4/1/2019 10:24 PM

111

Do stuff for handicap people

4/1/2019 10:22 PM

112

Volleyball court, dog park and access to rivers for boating/fishing

4/1/2019 10:22 PM

113

I think a giant park full of soccer fields and ball fields would really benefit the area. Travel ball in our area is big across multiple sports and a complex that could host travel tournaments could bring in revenue and outside people to eat at our restaurants and stay in our hotels and bring more money into the community. So much of our money is spent on going out of town for sports or shopping and even dining. I think P.O.P.S. is going to help change that but a sports complex would further help.

4/1/2019 10:19 PM

114

Rutherford county is behind with recreation opportunities

4/1/2019 10:13 PM

115

We really need a dog park

4/1/2019 10:13 PM

116

More handicap availability

4/1/2019 10:10 PM

117

Little kids activities.

4/1/2019 9:54 PM

118

I cannot find anything for my homeschooled teenager to do at any time during the week or day

4/1/2019 9:43 PM

119

Build an 8 to 10 field baseball and softball ball complex it would be a money making opportunity and give the kids a place to play and learn

4/1/2019 9:25 PM

120

Many students are interested in volleyball but do not have a way to get involved without paying for travel teams before they reach middle school playing age. I would love to see a rec league for boys and girls volleyball for our youth. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sport people of all ages enjoy and can be played year round. My elementary school had a coed league this year and our kids absolutely loved it.

4/1/2019 9:15 PM

121

WOULD BE NICE TO SEE LAND AT CORNER OF CLEGHORN & CHARLOTTE RD CLEANED WITH A GREEN SPACE AND ADDITIONAL PARKING

3/28/2019 12:00 PM

122

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback/input

3/28/2019 11:27 AM

175 / 191 124 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 123

n/a

3/27/2019 11:09 AM

124

There are no affordable soccer options for children over 14 here.

3/27/2019 9:45 AM

125

I do not play golf, but improvement and maintenance of municipal golf course should be a priority....9 hole courses are amenities for our entire county

3/27/2019 8:19 AM

126

The pool at ICC is useless to the general public

3/26/2019 8:14 PM

127

Again I played on the ICC soccer fields over 30 years ago, and not much has changed. I would like to see a complex with lighting for fall soccer. I think looking at Morganton Parks and recreation fields would be a good example to model after.

3/26/2019 2:18 PM

128

volunteer opportunities for working parents

3/25/2019 10:16 PM

129

Need girls soccer rec team for highschool ages

3/25/2019 7:37 PM

130

Lake Lure should be accessible by all county residents, not just people within city limits

3/25/2019 3:39 PM

131

I wonder if consolidation of resources, volunteers, etc. from town leagues into Rutherford County Youth Rec leagues for things like soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, etc. would provide for better overall experiences for our youth. I feel like consideration of this change would necessitate also considering the creation of at least one paid position to manage leagues, facilities, etc.

3/25/2019 1:07 PM

132

3/25/2019 1:02 PM

133

Need a soccer complex more than any thing

3/25/2019 12:30 PM

134

Our county is in desperate need of a good sports complex. For example my soccer plays soccer and with so many kids interested in this our small section of fields we have are growing very crowded as we are beginning to run out of room for everyone. As is the case with many other sports in our area.

3/25/2019 10:45 AM

135

Teens need a cool hip place to go and hang out at night verses finding parties and getting drunk or high

3/25/2019 9:12 AM

136

I have been a parent sending my kids through the RCSA soccer program for over 10 years. This program continues to get better and the number of kids interested in this program has grown tremendously in the past 5 years. The RCSA board members has worked hard to build this program into a community event and it has impacted a lot of kids. Young kids are participating, high school kids are able to volunteer to help with coaching and other aspects of the program that builds their resume for college/work force. It is a positive, safe, and organized program for them to give back to the community.

3/25/2019 9:03 AM

137

The adults in my family would love to play sports! It would be fun to have adults sports leagues.

3/25/2019 9:00 AM

138

We need a multi sports complex. We also need soccer fields. We have soccer teams that want to come and play in Rutherford County but we don't even have restrooms for them to use when they come to play soccer. The parks have great baseball fields and we have nothing but the poorly maintained ICC fields with a porta potty. The soccer association would bring in lots of revenue to the county if we had adequate soccer fields.

3/25/2019 8:55 AM

139

I would focus on where i see a need. Where do I see people participating and needing more. We need to learn lessons from communities that build parks out where people do not live. The price of land should not be considered here.

3/25/2019 7:15 AM

140

Need a facility for soccer games that had restrooms and not port-a-potty’s and sells food & drinks

3/24/2019 10:17 PM

141

Youth soccer has no dedicated field space in the county. Over 400 kids are playing fall and spring on inadequate fields at ICC. They could be lost at any time depending on what the administration at ICC wants to do with that open space.

3/24/2019 9:11 PM

142

We need to invest in updated facilities if we want young families to consider this as third home and choose to stay here.

3/24/2019 9:09 PM

143

none

3/24/2019 8:29 PM

144

Keep them active

3/24/2019 8:08 PM

145

I apppreciate the overall efforts of the parks and recreation department of our county but money that has gone into amphitheater’s like pops could be better spent. We don’t need a performance center we need a large sports and recreation complex.

3/24/2019 6:57 PM

146

Need sibbling discounts or family pricing

3/24/2019 2:11 PM

176 / 191 R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 125

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 147

Keep kids entertain outside and actively instead of video games

3/24/2019 11:23 AM

148

A lot needs repairs and additional games .

3/24/2019 11:19 AM

149

We need a soccer facility

3/24/2019 10:12 AM

150

We need safe routes for kids to be encouraged to walk, run, and cycle to and from school. As I travel and work in other communities I see children walking and cycling and benefiting from being outside as they travel to/from school. Our community disallows children from coming to school in this way. We need safe routes for children and everyone to use their feet and stay in the move.

3/24/2019 10:01 AM

151

Great facilities

3/24/2019 9:53 AM

152

Also people who have disabilities need something to do! Like me I have had 10 knee surgeries and 2 knee replacements all on my right knee! I can’t go do a lot of walking, definetly no hiking! There are more people wore off than me, so what about ping pong, shuffle board, hand football, and etc, for people like us! I am sure you could come up with other things for people with different disabilities to do!

3/24/2019 9:49 AM

153

Soccer complex is needed for sure, the fields behind ICC aren’t working for the kids in the community!

3/24/2019 9:35 AM

154

Something where parents can excel use while kids are active and can be supervised.

3/24/2019 9:29 AM

155

Why the interest now when for 25 years, you did nothing.

3/24/2019 9:26 AM

156

Rutherford County Soccer Association is out growing its current facility at ICC and needs more space. (fields & parking)

3/24/2019 9:13 AM

157

The community wants all of these things but if we do not reduce the drug and homeless population, it will never be safe for the children to enjoy the outdoors. There are literally dirty used needles and beer bottles all over the rail trail and Spindale area. Disgusting considering the 4K a year I pay in property taxes-

3/24/2019 9:12 AM

158

Update existing parks before building in new locations. Specifically, Crowe and Crestview parks.

3/19/2019 9:21 AM

159

Boat access

3/18/2019 2:20 PM

160

Thank you for putting the survey out there!

3/18/2019 1:41 PM

161

none

3/18/2019 10:18 AM

162

Need community to step up to give a younger generation opportunities to succeed and not resort to the streets as the only thing they know. If Rutherford county had opportunities for kids to be occupied doing fun stuff they wouldn’t get/be bored and promote the “bad” of Rutherford county.

3/18/2019 9:01 AM

163

The rail/walking trails are the great beginnings and in the right directions. I hope to see more progress in the future for a healthy outlets.

3/18/2019 5:52 AM

164

Would love to see more for softball/ little league and I myself would be happy to help in anyway I can

3/18/2019 1:02 AM

165

N/A

3/17/2019 11:44 PM

166

We would love to see something for kids to go in on rainy days to practice baseball. Most facilities dot let you come in unless you are part of their travel ball team

3/17/2019 10:26 PM

167

Rutherford County needs to invest in better athletic facilities, playground areas/equipment, and greenway space. This is not only beneficial for our children here in this county but also to attract others to come into the county. In turn this would really help boost our local economy. It’s really dishearting to have to travel out of town to have access to these types of facilities.

3/17/2019 10:25 PM

168

This is a very boring county and the kids and adults need more variety of things to choose from. It blows my mind that people are still moving here. They're ain't shit to do here.

3/17/2019 10:14 PM

169

It would be great to have a complex such as Tyger River in Spartanburg, SC or Catawba Meadows in Morganton, NC here in Rutherford County so that all of our organized sports teams could host tournaments and increase revenue for our county instead of giving money to other counties.

3/17/2019 9:27 PM

170

Staffing is critical to ensue investments are maintained and have an impact

3/17/2019 9:27 PM

171

YMCA or kids fitness while parents exercise.

3/17/2019 9:25 PM

172

There needs to be more information available. The website offers no useful information.

3/17/2019 9:11 PM

177 / 191 126 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 173

In Pennsylvania, where we moved from, the soccer fields were very well maintained, it was organized, and there was a concession stand. A concession stand ensured there was water and ice on hand at all times for the players as necessary along with the other food offered. There are many children who play here also who should have access to better facilities.

3/17/2019 8:57 PM

174

Drug addiction

3/17/2019 8:53 PM

175

None

3/17/2019 8:44 PM

176

Needs a multi complex recreation

3/17/2019 8:41 PM

177

Just feel that a lot of our places are becoming to run down

3/17/2019 8:37 PM

178

When RC abandoned county wide soccer and when towns's citizens have their taxes for county wide players to play on the Rutherfordton Little League, you lost any support for an aging / no growth county.

3/17/2019 8:37 PM

179

The youth soccer fields at least needs some lights if nothing else.

3/17/2019 8:09 PM

180

The county is in desperate need of a multi sports complex

3/17/2019 8:01 PM

181

RCYSA better organized Field parking/restrooms modified better

3/17/2019 8:00 PM

182

Our children are fat as well as the parents because we have no YMCA or public assessable options

3/17/2019 8:00 PM

183

More parks need to be made. Improvements need to be done to existing parks.

3/17/2019 7:56 PM

184

We need better opportunity for our young kids.. they are the future

3/17/2019 7:54 PM

185

Please consider some horse carriage trails so my husband isn't killed by these idiot drivers on the road. Thanks

3/15/2019 10:07 PM

186

To be able to maintain and support the level of recreational needs Rutherford County has, the county needs to create a Recreation Department.

3/15/2019 7:38 AM

187

Trails are a tremendous asset. ICC pool can be with adequate maintenance. Great pool.

3/14/2019 8:14 PM

188

Water park and After school activities outside of school for latch key children.

3/14/2019 3:32 PM

189

Crowe park needs an update bad. That place is nasty.

3/13/2019 1:04 PM

190

Accessibility. Accessibility. Accessibility.

3/13/2019 7:51 AM

191

Would love to have a decent pool, rec league volleyball, and YMCA in this county do we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to travel to Boiling Springs or Polk County.

3/12/2019 8:12 PM

192

horse trails similar to those in Polk County

3/12/2019 7:25 PM

193

none

3/12/2019 6:28 PM

194

We need clean & well maintain parks for children

3/12/2019 5:58 PM

195

Need more for teenagers

3/12/2019 3:56 PM

196

We are sports family who travels for many tournament yearly and having a nice sports complex could benefit our children as well as bring tourism into Rutherford county

3/12/2019 1:35 PM

197

Crestview needs to be updated and make playground level to each other bc its dangerous between the two playground bc I have a toddler and my other two children likes to play on bigger playground. Would like to see it all together fenced in. In the middle of the walking circle trail. Add a splash pad also for hot summer days. For the rutherfordton area so we dont have to travel to other parks for their use of splash pads.

3/12/2019 12:44 PM

198

Robotics as listed above

3/12/2019 12:28 PM

199

3/12/2019 12:06 PM

200

I feel we have a need for a sport complex for our ever growing soccer program. We need a facility for kids to practice and host tournaments. Baseball would be a great asset to add as well

3/12/2019 11:12 AM

201

Need a community pool

3/12/2019 10:59 AM

202

Nothing for kids of any age period here

3/12/2019 10:53 AM

203

I feel that adults and elementary need equally more. However, the kids do have the options for sports.

3/12/2019 10:51 AM

178 / 191 R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 127

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 204

Provide 30-45 min daily activity in every school for every child and their teachers.

3/12/2019 8:21 AM

205

You really missed the ball asphalting the entire Rail Trail. You could have left 1/2 of the width gravel and it would have been so much more enjoyable for all. Research in Raleigh on the Amer Tobacco trail shows the portion they left gravel is used by 75% of all users. Rutherford Cty ignored the research & the wishes of many of our residents & potential visitors and spent far too much $$, essentially thumbing their nose at us.

3/12/2019 7:52 AM

206

Rutherford county is currently experiencing a great deal of economic growth, however, there is a huge gap in sufficient organized sports opportunities. Young people do not want to move their children here if they are going to have to travel hour for their kids to participate in competitive sports.

3/11/2019 4:59 PM

207

I would love to see public access areas built with camping, fishing, hiking and swimming in mind as a State Park near a river or stream or like Catawba River in Burke County.

3/11/2019 11:04 AM

208

Most of the recreational opportunities are addressing youth activities. More adult related activities are needed.

3/11/2019 11:00 AM

209

The county has traditionally not recognized the role organized recreational opportunities play in attracting new industry to the county. They have been negligent too long.

3/11/2019 10:51 AM

210

County needs to lead!!

3/11/2019 10:44 AM

211

We need a sports complex to be able to host tournaments, football, soccer & baseball. I have had to travel outside the county all my life & now my children do.

3/11/2019 6:37 AM

212

I think it would be great to have a YMCA added to Rutherford County!

3/10/2019 2:28 PM

213

Although I don't use either, I often hear people talking about the need for dog parks. I also think keeping the golf course in Rutherfordton is VERY important to the future of the community.

3/10/2019 1:09 PM

214

We really need a Y here!

3/10/2019 9:43 AM

215

There isn't a good gym that is open in the evenings or on weekends for pickup basketball or other similar activities. Love the new paved trails. Hope they can be extended to include the Broad River. County should be active in extending the hiking/mountain biking trail network.

3/10/2019 9:19 AM

216

With this Survey, you have no clue who does not have access to any of these.

3/10/2019 3:59 AM

217

See #16

3/9/2019 10:34 PM 3/9/2019 4:15 PM

218

None

219

YMCA stop Mickey Waters from holding this county hostage

3/9/2019 12:17 PM

220

There are very few options in between green hill area and lake Lure this areas seems to be forgotten and all things are in one side of the county not the middle

3/9/2019 10:18 AM

221

Better the ones we have... dont necessarily need new

3/9/2019 9:49 AM

222

Having a YMCA could bring in so many activities, programs and camps for kids. Plus they do swimming lessons for under the age of 5. NO ONE in the county will do swimming lessons unless the child is 5 years old or older.

3/9/2019 9:16 AM

223

Many associate Chimney Rock State Park and the Hickory Nut Gorge with the mountains and not Rutherford Co. However, the cast majority IS Rutherford County. It is therefore the most untapped recreational potential in the county, with multi-pitch worldclass rock climbing available but currently off-limited. Chimeny Rock climbs on the north side of Rumbling Bald Mountain and Chimney Rock Mountain would instantly become among the epicenter of sought out, destination climbing areas in not just NC but the entire eastern US. Also, mcuh opportunity exists for backcountry camping and opportunities on Sugarloaf Mountain/Worlds Edge and Weed Patch Mountain, but these are not being pursued by CR State Park. If the State Park would stop being a stick in the mud, their untapped recreational potential could be not just nice but rather world class, and put Rutherford County on the map. Also non-public waterfall destinations like Rainbow Falls and Pool Creek Falls are off limits but would be immediate top-notch front-country recreational natural destinations.

3/8/2019 7:10 PM

224

We need a county recreational director to make better use of what we currently have and market the facilities and programs at these facilities.

3/8/2019 5:08 PM

225

The Lower end Of The County (Cliffside, Caroleen, Henrietta) are severely neglected in County sponsored recreational opportunities.

3/8/2019 11:43 AM

179 / 191 128 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 226

It is time for all of us to think outside the box and partner to create some truly unique and FUN recreation experiences here in Rutherford County.

3/8/2019 10:38 AM

227

Trails to trails have been great

3/8/2019 9:38 AM

228

No rec league adult sports

3/7/2019 9:57 PM

229

Very important to plan and build a greenway/biking trail connecting Thermal Trail to Lake Lure/Chimney Rock - The Whistle Pig Trail. This would be a tremendous economic engine to develop and drive the growing tourism business in the county.

3/7/2019 7:04 PM

230

I believe we really need to rejuvenate many parks that are already established to make them safer, more attractive and more desirable.

3/7/2019 4:44 PM

231

All the newer places are being built and developed for those in the upper end of the county, there are not anything for any families pass Forrest Hunt school and none in the black communities

3/7/2019 3:24 PM

232

Need more areas for entire families can get together and enjoy themselves with access to outdoor and indoor activities likes al the balls, bowling, swimming, more shelter areas and things of that nature.

3/7/2019 2:46 PM

233

none

3/7/2019 1:48 PM

234

Need baseball/soccer/football complex to help drive the economy. Kids need somewhere to play instead of going out of town,

3/7/2019 1:48 PM

235

we need more parking for soccer field behind ICC and more parking for Crestview park

3/7/2019 1:41 PM

236

Fenced in areas for younger kids

3/7/2019 1:01 PM

237

Unknown

3/7/2019 12:54 PM

238

My boys have always been involved in youth sports. It is sad that when we travel all other communities they have awesome sports complexes. All we have is the soccer field at ICC and Crowe Park. We also need a YMCA. I have to drive to Cleveland County to let my boys play basketball and get involved in programs because the ones in Rutherford County are so poor.

3/7/2019 12:36 PM

239

Thanks for asking

3/7/2019 12:32 PM

240

Cleveland county has a great public target shooting facility that stays busy and generates revenue. It's a little far and can be crowded for Rutherford County residents. We also lack public fitness options for adults (many private options but many are not affordable for people, esp with larger families). Paddling sports like kayaking would be more popular if more public access points existed. Right now too many entrances are on private land or are too indistinguishable from surrounds to know where they are.

3/7/2019 12:27 PM

241

My opinion is that in order to reach the most people and offer programs and facilities to them, that the county needs to go to community based funding.

3/7/2019 12:22 PM

242

Look at Cleveland/Lincoln/Iredell/Henderson/Transylvania Counties. YMCA would be a huge asset - look at surrounding counties that have a YMCA.

3/7/2019 12:18 PM

243

ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE SCHOOL ACTIVITY IS NECESSARY

3/7/2019 12:13 PM

244

YMCA

3/7/2019 12:10 PM

245

we need a ymca

3/7/2019 12:08 PM

246

A designated coordinator and complex operated by the County that can address the needs of a cross section of our citizens. Also a designed sports complex that can be self sustaining with tournaments and activities from all around.

3/7/2019 11:59 AM

247

We all need creational opportunities for active living

3/7/2019 11:52 AM

248

PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER A SKATE PARK. The town of Rutherfordton had such a park years ago and it was horrible. The people using the park did not take care of it and it caused extra work from town maintenance as well as law enforcement. My family uses Cane Creek Park in Union County NC, it is a free to pay park depending on the services used I would love to see this brought to Rutherford County.

3/7/2019 11:51 AM

249

A YMCA WOULD BE GREAT FOR THIS COUNTY AND WOULD BE USEFUL TO LOW INCOME AND SENIOR ADULTS TO HAVE A PLACE TO GO.

3/7/2019 11:51 AM

180 / 191

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 129

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 250

IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A LOCAL SHOOTING RANGE, POSSIBLY HAVE GUN COURSES WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY HIGH COST FOR MEMBERSHIPS.

3/7/2019 11:41 AM

251

Not enough free activities for youth. Some cant afford the $1.00 it cost to go to a public swimming pool. TOO much idle time

3/7/2019 11:39 AM

252

We would love to have more areas around here to ride dirt bikes/atv's (four-wheelers). Lots of people around here own those and would love to have more places to ride them.

3/7/2019 12:06 AM

253

3/6/2019 11:44 PM

254

Grateful the Rutherford County Tourism dollars can help make this happen

3/6/2019 9:52 PM

255

I would just love to see a Splash Pad, as well as more choices for well maintained playgrounds

3/6/2019 9:08 PM

256

Parks and family outdoor areas that take into account the high summer temperatures. Paved trails for strollers and splash pads that children can use all summer.

3/6/2019 8:08 PM

257

Equestrain and hiking trails can be one and same if developed properly. This would be a great assest to Rutherford Co.

3/6/2019 7:27 PM

258

Softball for girls has never been important to this community they have to share a field with the football teams that destroy the outfield and take the fall season away from them so they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve because they have nowhere to go

3/6/2019 1:42 PM

259

A multi sport complex would be a two fold addition to our county. Not only would it facilitate the healthy and active lifestyle of our younger generation, but if used for tournament style play it could bring in thousands of dollars to our local communities. For example on a two day softball tournament my team travels to the venue, purchases food from local restaurants, pay for hotel stays, purchase gas and any other needed items for our stay. My family alone spends on average of $100-$200 per tournament. Multiply that by the number of players and teams in a tournament and it could easily reach the $40,000 mark for each tournament.

3/6/2019 1:27 PM

260

A well managed sport complex would bring in revenue to be used on additional facilities.

3/6/2019 12:50 PM

261

Any like the ones in Morganton

3/6/2019 12:03 PM

262

We have our kids in cub scouts this is the only opportunity close by to help teach life skills without traveling out of the county to camp and hike and be outdoors with them, they have plenty of playgrounds but need more old school fun that helps develop their brains

3/5/2019 8:32 PM

263

Access to the lower Broad river for Kayak/Canoe is very limited. Counties above and below us gain a lot of revenue from paddle tourism.

3/5/2019 7:54 PM

264

We would love an option for family swimming that does not conflict with school and work schedules. My children need to learn how to swim. We would love swimming safety classes!

3/5/2019 6:17 PM

265

Please look into building a YMCA! Would be awesome for all ages.

3/5/2019 3:24 PM

266

We desperately need quality childcare in a recreational facility. It would be great to have a YMCA that provides this service year round as well as summer camps to the elementary and younger aged children in our community.

3/5/2019 3:21 PM

3/5/2019 2:30 PM

267

We seem to cater to young children and seniors. We need more opportunities for teenagers

268

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lack of opportunities and well maintained spaces for health and fitness

3/5/2019 1:44 PM

269

Walking trails in outlying communities that are senior accessible.

3/5/2019 1:34 PM

270

With the rail trails things are improving

3/5/2019 12:55 PM

271

We need stuff that gets kids off their cellphones and moving

3/5/2019 12:53 PM

272

I have heard that the County will not work with the Towns to survey the needs of the community in order to obtain grant funding for improvements to the health of our area. Money must be spent now or it *will* be spent in the long run in the form of all of us paying for those who are disabled due to diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term effects of lack of access to healthy living spaces. Also, to truly compete with other areas for jobs, instead of just giving money and resources away with empty promises of return, investing in the quality of life here will attract jobs-but even if it does not, it will improve the quality of life for those of us who have chosen to stay here.

3/5/2019 12:37 PM

273

Always felt like the lower end of the county , ( Harris, Cliffside,Caroleen,Henrietta ) get short changed and deserved better parks and support for Little League baseball.

3/5/2019 12:12 PM

181 / 191 130 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 274

I'm glad the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition provides so many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the county.

3/5/2019 12:07 PM

275

We need an organization or person to direct trail activities, maintenance, events, development of adjacent properties, maintain relationships with property owners adjacent to trails. I also look forward to future development of the Overmountain Victory Trail project.

3/5/2019 11:49 AM

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 3 1

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q19 What is your gender? Answered: 929

Skipped: 211

Other 0.54% (5) Other 0.54% (5)

Male 28.09% (261) Male 28.09% (261)

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q20 What is your age? Female 71.37% (663) Female 71.37% (663)

Answered: 928

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Male

28.09%

261

Female

71.37%

663

Other

0.54%

60 years old + 17.78% (165) 60 years old + 17.78% (165)

Skipped: 212

18-22 years old 3.23% (30) 18-22 years old 23-29 years old 3.23% (30) 9.38% (87) 23-29 years old 9.38% (87)

TOTAL

929

30-39 years old 25.65% (238) 30-39 years old 25.65% (238)

50-59 years old 19.40% (180) 50-59 years old 19.40% (180)

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

18-22 years old

3.23%

23-29 years old

9.38%

30-39 years old

25.65%

238

40-49 years old

24.57%

228

50-59 years old

19.40%

180

60 years old +

17.78%

TOTAL

132 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

29 / 36

40-49 years old 24.57% (228) 40-49 years old 24.57% (228)

30 87

165 928

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q21 Please specify your ethnicity. Answered: 916

Skipped: 224

Hispanic or Latino 1.97% (18) Hispanic or Latino 1.97% (18)

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q22 Please specify your race. Answered: 922

ANSWER CHOICES Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino Not Hispanic or 98.03% Latino (898)

Skipped: 218

White

Black/African American

RESPONSES

98.03% (898)

1.97% 98.03%

Not Hispanic or Latino TOTAL

18 898

Native American/Ame...

916

Asian

Pacific Islander Prefer not to answer Other (please specify) 0%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

White

92.73%

Black/African American

1.52%

Native American/American Indian

0.43%

Asian

0.11%

855

Pacific Islander

0.11%

Prefer not to answer

3.36%

Other (please specify)

1.74%

TOTAL

31 / 36

10%

16 922

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 133

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Q23 What is your approximate annual household income? Answered: 917

Skipped: 223

Less than $20,000

Unsure or Prefer Not to Answer (11.56%)or Prefer Unsure Not to Answer (11.56%)

$20,000 to $34,999 Less than $20,000 (4.7%) $20,000 to $34,999 (4.7%) $35,000 to $49,999 (9.92%) $35,000 to $49,999 (9.92%)

Over $100,000 (20.28%) Over $100,000 (20.28%)

ANSWER CHOICES

$50,000 to $74,999 (22.68%) $50,000 to $74,999 (22.68%)

$75,000 to $99,999 (19.41%) $75,000 to $99,999 (19.41%)

RESPONSES

Less than $20,000

4.47%

$20,000 to $34,999 (4.7%)

9.92%

$35,000 to $49,999 (9.92%)

11.67%

107

$50,000 to $74,999 (22.68%)

22.68%

208

$75,000 to $99,999 (19.41%)

19.41%

178

Over $100,000 (20.28%)

20.28%

186

Unsure or Prefer Not to Answer (11.56%)

11.56%

106

TOTAL

917

13 4 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

33 / 36

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 135 ANSWER CHOICES

Lake Lure

Ellenboro

Rutherfordton

Forest City

Avondale

Colfax

High Shoals

Duncan Creek

Camp Creek

Morgan

Ruth

Logan Store

Union

Henrietta

Caroleen

Chimney Rock

Sulphur Springs

Golden Valley

I do not live in Rutherfor...

Gilkey

Green Hill

Other (please specify)

Cliffside

Spindale

Bostic

Lake Lure

Ellenboro

Rutherfordton

Forest City

Skipped: 225

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

34 / 36

60%

70%

90% 100%

247 205 84 74

26.99% 22.40% 9.18% 8.09%

RESPONSES

80%

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Answered: 915

Q24 Where do you live?

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Morgan

G. Recreational Needs Survey Results (continued) Camp Creek

Duncan Creek

High Shoals

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

Colfax

Q24 Where do you live?

Avondale

10%

20%

Answered: 915 50% Skipped: 225 30% 40% 60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES Forest City

RESPONSES

Forest City

26.99%

247

22.40%

205

Rutherfordton

9.18%

Ellenboro Ellenboro

Lake Lure

8.09%

Bostic

6.45%

Lake Lure

Spindale Bostic

Cliffside Other (please specify)

Spindale

4.48%

3.72%

3.61%

Green Hill

2.40%

Gilkey

2.30%

Cliffside

1.97%

Other (please specify)

1.75%

1.31%

Green Hill

0.87%

I do not live in Rutherford County Golden Valley Sulphur Springs Chimney Rock Caroleen

Gilkey

0.55%

I do not live in Rutherfor...

0.55%

Golden Valley

0.44%

Sulphur Springs

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs 0.33%

0.33%

Henrietta Union Logan Store Ruth Morgan Camp Creek Duncan Creek

Chimney Rock

35 / 36

High Shoals Colfax

Caroleen

3 1

0.00%

Avondale TOTAL

0.33% 0.11%

Henrietta

Union

136 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N Logan Store

Ruth

0 915

H. Frank West Park LWCF Agreement

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 137

H. Frank West Park LWCF Agreement (continued)

138 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 139

H. Frank West Park LWCF Agreement (continued)

140 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 1 41

H. Frank West Park LWCF Agreement (continued)

142 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 143

H. Frank West Park LWCF Agreement (continued)

144 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 145

I. Frank West Park Deed

146 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 147

I. Frank West Park Deed (continued)

148 R UT H E R FO R D CO UNTY PARKS & RECRE ATI O N COMPR EHEN SIVE MASTER PLA N

R U THER FOR D COU N TY PARKS & RECREAT ION COMPREHEN SIV E MAST ER PL A N 149

RUTHERFORD

PARKS & RECREATION

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

M A S T E R

P L A N