CRAFTING HICKORY The Hickory Trail and the newly renovated downtown are just a few Crafting Hickory projects that are transforming the Hickory region. Spanning 10 miles across the city, the Hickory Trail, which is now under construction, will connect popular destinations and amenities, while providing bicycle and pedestrian safe pathways throughout the city. The Trail accentuates the city’s culture of providing an atmosphere for dynamic growth and robust development and is a major asset in the community’s effort to craft a strong economy, provide good jobs, and create a desirable quality of life for its residents. The Hickory Trail includes a City Walk from Lenoir-Rhyne University through the city’s newly renovated downtown area to Old Lenoir Road. It continues with a Book Walk through the Ridgeview community, highlighting its history, then extends with an Old Lenoir Walk through a reinvigorated arts district (OLLE), and
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a Riverwalk, featuring an iconic bridge over Lake Hickory where you will enjoy elevated trails through the woods that border the lake. The last leg of the trail takes you on an Aviation Walk that offers easy access across U.S. 321 to L.P. Frans Stadium, with the trail completing at Hickory Regional Airport.
Additionally, the city has modernized aesthetics and enhanced its downtown center with a distinguished promenade highlighting Union Square storefronts and a central pathway bisecting two large lawn areas. Open air seating areas called “garden rooms” or “parklets” were added along with enhanced lighting for evening strolls, new directional signage, an entrance archway, and complimentary Wi-Fi, provided by CommScope. The complete renovation project also included new public restrooms and a multi-purpose shade structure. The central stage for musical and artistic performances taking place under the popular Sails on the Square still remains intact. This urban trail system and downtown renovation initiative has already been a catalyst for economic development in Hickory, attracting interested businesses, visitors, and residents seeking a wellcrafted community. HFM
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