Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track Master Plan by Destination by Design

SPINDALE SKATEPARK & PUMP TRACK MASTER PLAN

DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORTH CAROLINA PARKS AND RECREATION TRUST FUND STANDARDS

SPINDALE, NC

ADOPTED MARCH 2022

SPIN DA L E SKATE PA R K & P U M P T R AC K MASTER PLAN

PRODUCED FOR

PRODUCED BY

Town of Spindale 125 Reveley St Spindale, NC 28160

Destination by Design 136 Furman Road Suite 6 Boone, North Carolina

AC K N OW L E D G ME N TS

TOWN OF SPINDALE

RUTHERFORD COUNTY TDA

MICKEY BLAND

DON CASON

Mayor

Director

SCOTT WEBBER Town Manager

EDDIE SEARCY

SPINDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ERIC MARSHBURN Pastor

Recreation Director

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOU GILLIAM Commissioner

ROSALEEN FRANCIS

SHEILA ALEXANDER LINDA SMITH

Commissioner

JOHN ROBERTS

RICKY LEDBETTER

RJ AIKEN

Commissioner

GLEN HARMON Commissioner

NANCY WALKER Commissioner

SPINDALE PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

KIM GREENE SARAH MORSE BILL COWAN EDDIE SEARCY

TAB L E O F CO N T E N TS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

MAPS

CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL MASTER PLAN

1.1 Background.....................................................................2

4.1 Final Master Plan & Key Features.......................20

1.2 Project Goals................................................................ 4

4.2 Precedent Images................................................... 22

2.1 Study Area Context ...................................................8 2.2 Environmental Conditions.....................................10

CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & DRAFT PLAN 3.1 Previous Plan Surveys..............................................14 3.2 Public Engagement................................................. 16

Map 02: Existing Site Conditions.................................. 11

EX HIB ITS

1.3 Planning Process..........................................................5

CHAPTER 2: SITE ANALYSIS & DESIGN DETERMINANTS

Map 01: Study Area Context........................................... 9

CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION 5.1 Physical Needs Summary & Estimate of Probable Costs................................... 26 5.2 Funding Opportunities.......................................... 27

Exhibit 01: Rutherford Bound Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan..........................2 Exhibit 02: Rutherford Bound Spindale Streetscape Plan..........................3 Exhibit 03: The Thermal Belt Rail Trail.........................8 Exhibit 04: Final Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track Site Plan............................ 21 Exhibit 05: Park Precedent Images............................ 22 Exhibit 06: Estimate of Probable Costs................... 26 Exhibit 07: Grant Funding Opportunities................ 27

III

1 INT RODUC TION & BACKG ROUND IN THIS CHAPTER 1.1 BACKGROUND 1.2 PROJECT GOALS

The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track Master Plan serves as a guide for the development of a significant recreational, community, and tourism asset on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and within the Main Street corridor in the Town of Spindale, NC. This chapter highlights the project background,

1.3 PLANNING PROCESS

goals, and planning process.

1. 1 Back g rou nd The Town of Spindale has been included in several

skatepark and pump track on the church-owned site, and

recent planning efforts that involve the development of

in February 2022 the Church donated the property to the

recreation-based community and tourism infrastructure.

Town.

The Rutherford Bound Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan (2018) identified one of the Town’s most unique assets as

In early 2022, the Town approved the design and

direct access to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail which extends

construction of the skatepark and pump track on the

13.5 miles through the heart of Rutherford County.

corner of East Main and Methodist Streets with sidewalk

Enhancing the TBRT to improve the user experience

connectivity to a public plaza and the Thermal Belt Rail

was identified as a major priority within both Rutherford

Trail.

Bound and the Rutherford County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2020).

The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track serves as one piece of an ongoing effort to redesign and revitalize

The Spindale Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2019)

Spindale’s Main Street corridor, and it will strengthen

identified a skatepark as a need, and the Thermal Belt Rail

community

Trail Enhancement Plan (2021) recommended a location

recreation, community, and tourism asset that attracts

on property owned by Spindale United Methodist

residents and visitors to Spindale, the communities

Church. Rutherford Bound and the TBRT Enhancement

connected by the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, and Rutherford

Plan recommended a pump track on Town-owned

County.

connections

creating

significant

property along the TBRT on East Main Street. Additional discussions between Town officials, the church, and planning consultants resulted in combining both the

E XH I BI T 1

RUTHERFORD BOUND TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN Rutherford Bound is the chief planning document for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority and its partners pertaining to tourismrelated capital infrastructure development. The plan highlighted the importance of enhancing the Thermal Belt Rail Trail with additional amenities and distinctive feature development. 2

C H A P T E R 1 // I N TRO D UC TIO N & BAC KGRO UND

CHA PT ER //

E X H I B I T 2 : R U T H E R F O R D B O U ND S P I NDAL E ST R E E TS C A P E P L A N

SPINDALE SKATEPARK & PUMP TRACK SITE LOCATION

“ The Rutherford Bound Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan identified one of Spindale’s most unique assets as direct access to the Thermal

”

Belt Rail Trail.

NEWLY COMPLETED SPINDALE STREETSCAPE PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS

RIBBON CUTTING FOR SPINDALE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN FRONT OF SPINDALE HOUSE

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N

1 .2 Proj e c t G o a l s

DESTINATION QUALITY The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track will serve as a focal point for the Town and expand the recreational assets found

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Promote economic growth by creating a recreational and community asset along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail that attracts

along the 13.5 mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail.

community members and visitors into the

Its design and function should serve as a

Main Street corridor of Spindale.

standalone destination for the surrounding communities located along the rail trail

corridor.

CATALYST FOR RAIL TRAIL ENHANCEMENT The park will act as a catalyst for additional enhancements along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Towns connected by the trail will recognize the benefits of offering amenities

and

support

facilities

within

their communities that improve the user

experience.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Create

recreational

infrastructure

provides new recreational opportunities and promotes physical, mental, and social wellness.

that

C H A P T E R 1 // I N TRO D UC TIO N & BAC KGRO UND

POISED FOR GRANT FUNDING Ensure grant competitiveness by adhering to planning guidelines required by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).

1.3 Planning Pro ce ss PHASE 1 // JANUARY 2022 Project Launch » Kick-off meeting

PHASE 2 // JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2022 Discovery & Analysis » Previous Plan Review » Site Analysis

PHASE 3 // FEBRUARY 2022 Draft Plan Development & Public Meeting » Draft Site Master Plan » Public Meeting

PHASE 4 // FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022 Final Plan Development & Adoption » Finalize Site Master Plan » Adoption by Town Board of Commissioners

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N

2 SI TE A NALYSIS & DE SIG N DETE RMINANT S IN THIS CHAPTER 2.1 STUDY AREA CONTEXT 2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This chapter provides an overview of existing conditions for the Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track site. The chapter begins by examining the context of the project area and then highlights the existing natural and built environment.

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N

2. 1 Study Are a C ontex t The study area is located within the Town

“S” shaped intersection between the TBRT and

including restaurants, bike shop, drug store, and

of Spindale, which is situated between and

Main Street is located just south of the park site.

music store. Recent streetscape improvements

adjoining Rutherfordton and Forest City, in central

This location is a notable landmark in the area and

provide wide sidewalks, street trees, updated

Rutherford County, North Carolina. US Highways

along the rail trail.

lighting, and branded furnishings to enhance the

64, 74, and 221 intersect just west of Town and

shopping experience.

Hendersonville, Shelby, Morganton, and Marion lie

The park is located on the north side of Main Street

within an hours drive.

between First Baptist Church and Spindale United

On the north side of East Main Street additional

Methodist Church. Residential areas are found to

commercial businesses primarily provide services

The 13.5 mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail serves as a spine

the north and south and a diverse mix of civic,

to residents. It is less developed than West Main

in the Main Streets region of Rutherford County

commercial, and industrial uses line Main Street to

Street, but future plans include streetscape

connecting the Towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton,

the east and west.

improvements and direct connectivity to the

Spindale, and Forest City. The skatepark and pump

Thermal Belt Rail Trail located on the south side of

track site is centrally located on the rail trail within

Spindale Town Hall, Fire and Rescue Station, and

Downtown Spindale between the historic West

Spindale House community center and recreation

and East Main Streets. Within Spindale, the trail

center is located a short distance away on West

is located on the north side of West Main Street

Main Street. A variety of businesses can be found

and south side of East Main Street. A significant

along the south side of an active West Main Street

East Main Street.

EX H I BI T 3

THE THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL The Spindale Skatepark was first proposed at its current location as a part of the recommendations included in the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Plan completed in 2021.

BUSINESSES AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN DOWNTOWN SPINDALE 8

CHAPTER 2 / / S ITE ANALYS IS & D E S IGN D E TER MI N A N TS

M A P 01 : ST U DY AR E A CO NT E X T CHA PT ER //

Pop

t lar S

Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track

l St Method Dr

E Wilson St

US Hwy 74 Bus

W Main St

Revely St

Maryland St

Thermal Belt Rail Trail Cherry St

a St

t er S

St Pleasant

Tann

ska bra

Center St

Elmore St

t le S Co t dS

lan

urt

k St

S Oa

Map

a St Californi

Nevad

Spindale House

Pennsylvania Ave

E Main St

US 221 A

Davis St

ve da A

Flori

Main Street Baptist Church E Main St Businesses

Mil

First Baptist Church

W Main St Businesses

Spindale United Methodist Church

Spencer St

Elm

t er S Setz

n St

rch

so John

e St

Chu

Aly Hillsid

t yS fr e

cer

Indiana St

Garland St

d Go

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N

2. 2 E nv ironm e nta l C ond it i ons This section highlights site analysis findings pertaining to the natural and built environment, including those related to topography, soils, vegetation, utilities, roads, and land use.

TOPOGRAPHY

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The approximately 1.6 acre site features a gently

The site is bounded by public roads on all sides. Mill

sloping hill from southeast to northwest with a

Street is located to the north, Methodist Street to

short but steep slope along the southern border

east, Steward and Main Streets are located to the

with Main Street.

south, and Church Street to the west. The adjacent roads are lightly traveled and serve the residential,

SOILS

civic, and institutional land uses that surround

According to the Natural Resources Conservation

the site. A narrow sidewalk lines the eastern and

Service (NRCS), there are two different soil types

southern borders of the site along Methodist

found within the project site. The soils identified

Street and the heavily traveled Main Street. MAGNOLIA TREES AND OPEN GREEN FIELD

include Cecil-Urban Land Complex (CeB2) and Pacolet Sandy Clay Loam (PaC2).

There is an existing parking lot situated on the corner of Methodist and Mill Streets adjacent to

VEGETATION & SIGNIFICANT NATURAL COMMUNITIES

the site with approximately 20 spaces. The parking

The site consists mostly of open green space and

Church.

area currently serves Spindale United Methodist

lawn. However, there is a small stand of mature hardwoods in the southeastern corner of the site,

In addition, there is an existing stormwater line and

and a row of Magnolia trees that line the western

abandoned sewer line that run through the center

boundary with Church Street. There are no

of the site from south to north. A manhole access

significant natural communities found on the site.

for each line exists near the center of the site. SIDEWALK AND MANHOLES

“ The approximately 1.6 acre site features a gently sloping hill and consists mostly of open green space and lawn.” 10

CHAPTER 2 / / S ITE ANALYS IS & D E S IGN D E TER MI N A N TS

M A P 02 : E X I ST I NG S I T E CO N D I T I O N S

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

SPINDALE METHODIST CHURCH

EL TR

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N

3 P UBLIC E NGAGEM ENT & DR AFT PL AN IN THIS CHAPTER 3.1 PREVIOUS PLAN SURVEYS 3.2 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

This chapter examines survey results from previous parks and recreation planning efforts, and provides an overview of public input, staff, and elected official involvement in the planning process.

3. 1 Pre v ious Pl an Sur ve ys The consultant team reviewed the Town of Spindale Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2019) and the Rutherford County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2020) to explore

Q8: Which fitness activities are you interested in? (select all that apply)

community support for a skatepark and pump track.

SPINDALE PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN (2019) The Town of Spindale Parks and Recreation Master Plan included the results from a community survey used to obtain demographic information of

respondents

ensure

representative

sample, determine which facilities the respondent was currently using, obtain what activities the respondent is interested in and gather specific, open-ended comments. The survey received 417 responses. Approximately 9.3% of respondents indicated that they are interested in skateboarding and approximately 13.32% that they are interested in roller skating/blading. Additionally, survey respondents identified skateparks as a recreational need that the Town is currently not meeting.

Other Fitness Interests Include: Zumba

Weight Lifting

Yoga

Dog Agility Course

Taichi

Stationary Bike

Crossfit

Beach Volleyball

Disc Golf

Kayaking 31

C H A P T E R 3 // P UBLIC ENGAGEM ENT & D RAFT PLA N

Rutherford County Survey of Recreational Needs

RUTHERFORD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN (2020)

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

Skipped: 215

The Rutherford County Comprehensive Parks and Adventure Playgrounds...

Recreation Master Plan effort conducted an online community survey to determine recreational needs

Natural Playgrounds...

and preferences for County residents. The survey

Traditional Playgrounds...

received 1,140 responses and was distributed by County officials, steering committee members,

Dog Park

and other stakeholder groups through web, email,

Green Maintained O...

and social media. Approximately 17.8% of survey respondents indicated that they or members of

Beach (sand) Volleyball...

their household use or are interested in a mountain bike skills park or pump track and approximately

Disc Golf

16% of survey respondents indicated an interest

Mountain Bike Skills...

in a skateboarding park. Approximately 9% of respondents indicated that they or members of

Skateboarding Park

their household participate or are interested in Other (please specify)

skateboarding.

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

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

Skateboarding Park

16.11%

149

19 / 36

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N 1 5

3. 2 Publi c E ng age m e nt FACEBOOK COMMENTS The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track project was featured in a post by the Town on Facebook where over 200 comments were received and reviewed. The comments were primarily positive and expressed excitement and support for the project.

FACEBOOK POST AND PUBLIC COMMENTS

16 C H A P T E R 3 // P UBLIC ENGAGEM ENT & D RAFT PLA N

TOWN BOARD MEETING

PUBLIC INPUT MEETING

A Town Board meeting was held on January

On February 8, 2022, a public meeting was held

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

24th, 2022, and the consultant presented an

at Spindale United Methodist Church to present

On March 10, 2022, the Spindale Skatepark and

initial design and budget for the park. The Board

the project to the public, answer questions, and

Pump Track was presented to the Spindale Parks

of Commissioners unanimously voted to pursue

receive public comment. Approximately 30 people

and Recreation Advisory Committee. The group

additional planning and outreach for public input

attended the presentation.

asked questions about park maintenance and operation. They also expressed general support for

for the project. The Town Manager addressed questions and It was also revealed that a significant leadership

comments

gift was granted to the project by Meta (formerly

security, and liability. Attendees expressed no

about

park

hours,

the Facebook company), as part of a larger

concerns or comments about the park design.

the variety of park elements and project design.

maintenance,

$300,000 donation to support enhancements to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.

“ I am excited for the park. It sounds like it will be a nice addition to our town.

”

- Community Member.

4 R E C OMMENDATIONS & F I NAL MASTER PL AN IN THIS CHAPTER 4.1 FINAL MASTER PLAN & KEY FEATURES 4.2 PRECEDENT IMAGES

This chapter features the final site master plan for the Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track, and includes a description of all the recreation program and infrastructure elements. These findings represent the vision expressed among citizens, stakeholders, and elected officials engaged throughout the process.

4. 1 Fi na l Maste r Pl an & Ke y Fe atu re s This section provides a description of the 11 major features proposed at the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track.

SKATEPARK & PUMP TRACK

RESTROOM WITH BIKE PARKING

The park will contain a 7,500 square foot skatepark and pump track.

A two-stall restroom with timed locks and a water bottle filling

The concrete in-ground skatepark features will include an area with

station will be located on the southwest side of the site near the rail

quarter-pipes, rails, ledges, and a bowl. A Velosolutions asphalt pump

trail. The facility will serve visitors on the trail and at the park.

track will serve bikers, skateboarders, and scooter riders of all ages and skill levels.

PLAZA DEVELOPMENT A public plaza located between the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and the

KIOSK & SKATEPARK ENTRANCE

park will provide a safe connection for trail and park users. Direct

A customized park information kiosk will be installed at the primary

access to Main Street from Steward Street will no longer exist, and

entrance to the skatepark and pump track near the existing asphalt

traffic will be converted to one-way coming from the west and

parking area.

continuing north along Church Street.

PARKING

SEAT WALL

An existing parking area will be enhanced with the addition of curb

A curvilinear wall will be located on the western side of the public

and gutter, sidewalk, expanded asphalt, and restriping. A sidewalk

plaza. The seat wall will provide visitors with an area to rest and

and ADA access will be added.

gather while transitioning between the rail trail and park.

SHELTER

SPINDALE SKATEPARK SIGN

There will be one 20’ x 20’ picnic shelter with 4 picnic tables located

A custom skatepark and pump track entrance sign will be placed on

near the skatepark and pump track entrance.

the south side of the site near the plaza and adjacent to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. The sign will match future gateway styles and materials

SWINGING BENCHES

found on the rail trail as you enter Spindale.

Unique custom swinging benches will be placed along the sidewalk just south of the skatepark features and across from the picnic

STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS

shelter. This will give visitors a place to rest and view park visitors

The skatepark and pump track site ties West and East Main Streets

using the skatepark and pump track.

together, and recent streetscape improvements along West Main will continue along East Main Street. Wide sidewalks, street trees,

TRAIL CONNECTIVITY

updated lighting, and branded furnishings will help create a

Connectivity to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and a wide sidewalk system

pedestrian-friendly business district along the entire length of Main

within the park will ensure easy access between the existing rail trail

Street in downtown Spindale.

and new park features. 2 0 C H A P T E R 4 // RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL MASTER PLAN

EXH I BI T 4

CHA PT ER //

FINAL SPINDALE SKATEPARK & PUMP TRACK SITE PLAN The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track Master Plan presents an ambitious design project that will have a positive impact on the economy and quality of life for the Town of Spindale and the surrounding community.

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N 2 1

E XH IBIT 5

PARK PRECEDENT IMAGES Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track will offer visitors an array of unique features designed to provide a complete park experience and enhance the overall character of the downtown area.

CH APTER 2 // S I TE A N A LYSI S A N D DESI GN DETER MI N A N TS

C H A P T E R 4 // RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL MASTER PLAN

SPI N DA L E SKAT E PA RK MAST ER PL A N 2 3

5 I M PL EME NTATION IN THIS CHAPTER 5.1 PHYSICAL NEEDS SUMMARY & ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COST 5.2 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track Master Plan presents an ambitious design project that will have a positive impact on the economy and quality of life for the Town of Spindale and the surrounding community. Due to its direct connection to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, the project will not only expand recreational opportunities in Spindale, but it will also strengthen community connections and support economic growth.

5. 1 Physi c a l Ne e d s Sum m ar y & E st i m ate of Prob abl e C o st The purpose of this section is to establish a summary of physical needs and estimate of probable cost. The physical needs include the

E X HI BI T 6

ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS

recreational infrastructure elements of the park, connectivity to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, and streetscape elements that will tie West and East Main Street together.

Item

Unit

Quantity

Skate Park & Pump Track

$530,000

Shelter 20'x20'

$100,000

Restroom (Two Stall)

$125,000

Hardscape (Sidewalk, Pavers, and Bench Plaforms) Furnishings (Swinging Benches, Bike Racks, Signage, Lighting) Landscaping

$87,900

$50,000

$15,000

Park Features Subtotal

$907,900

$26

$10,400

$5,000

Park Features

Parking Area Enhancements

“

Unit Cost

Total Cost

Apshalt

400

Stripping

Due to its direct connection to

Curb & Gutter

100

$25

$2,500

6' Concrete Sidewalk

1000

$13

$13,000

the TBRT, the project will not only

Kiosk

$8,000

Landscaping

$5,000

Parking Area Enhancements Subtotal

$43,900

expand recreational opportunities in Spindale, but it will also strengthen

Entrance Plaza and Streetscape

Hardscape (Sidewalk, Pavers, and Bench Plaforms) Furnishings (Swinging Benches, Bike Racks, Signage) Curb & Gutter

$70,900

$25,000

325

support economic growth by

Street Light Bases

Street Trees

creating a significant recreational,

Seat Wall Landscaping

community connections and

$25

$8,125

$3,900

$19,500

$8,000

$32,000

$255

$12,240

community, and tourism asset that attracts residents and visitors

$5,000

Entrance Plaza and Streetscape Subtotal

$172,765

Total

$1,124,565

Site Prep

Mobilization (3%)

$33,737

to Spindale, the communities

Bonds & Insurance (2%)

$22,491

connected by the TBRT, and

Staking

$2,500

Demolition, Grading, and E&S

$175,000

”

General Requirements (5%)

Rutherford County.

$56,228

Site Prep Subtotal

$289,957

Contractor Bid Estimate

$1,414,522

Survey, Engineering, Permitting (20%)

$282,904

Construction Management (3%)

$42,436

Contingency (10%)

$141,452 Total

CHAPTER 5 // IMPLEMENTATION

$1,881,314

5. 2 Funding O pp or tuniti e s Funding for the Spindale Skate Park will require a local financial commitment in addition to grant funding. The

Town

Spindale,

Rutherford

County

Tourism Development Authority, Meta (formerly

E X HI BI T 7

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Partnership Funding Agency

Park Implications

Maximum Amount

Matching Funds Required

Application Deadlines

RHI Legacy Foundation

All types of projects that support active living

Varies

N/A

Late Spring

NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)

All types of parks, trails, and recreation facilities

$500,000

50%

Early May

Skatepark Project

Skateparks in underserved areas that illustrate strong community and grassroots support

$300,000

N/A

Letters of intent are accepted on a rolling basis

Facebook), and RHI Legacy Foundation are local funding sources that have expressed significant interest in the project. Meta, which owns a data center in Forest City, has offered to support the project with a $200,000 donation. Other funding may be secured from grants such as the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) and the Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation). This master plan was prepared according to standards developed by PARTF, and the Spindale Skatepark and Pump Track project should compete well within this grant program. The Skatepark Project awards grants for the design and construction of skateparks in underserved, low-income areas, and according to the EPA Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening Tool, approximately 47% of the population within a one-mile radius of the site is considered lowincome.

SPI N DA L E SKAT EPA RK MAST ER PL A N 27