Transforming our
‍Communities

Trail enhancements, recreation, and related business development along and close to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail will elevate it from a local recreational asset to a regional tourism destination.

Improvements to Kiwanis Park provide for vital open space within the heart of downtown Rutherfordton. The Kiwanis Park master plan was adopted in 2019 and features new trails, an adventure playground, shelters, restrooms, and dog park. The park connects with the Purple Martin Greenway to provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to Main Street.

The new Lake Lure Marina and Boardwalk will provide locals and visitors alike with exceptional facilities to experience one of North Carolina’s most unique lake settings.

The Town of Spindale along with local business owners and community stakeholders adopted the Spindale Streetscape Master Plan in 2018. The plan features new sidewalks, street trees, lighting, and improved connectivity to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail for both the east and west sections of downtown.

The Symphony of Rutherford County is a multi-generational community orchestra with approximately 50 members. The orchestra presents two concerts annually for the general public and also conducts free concerts for Rutherford County Schools (RCS). The Symphony's future home and event space will be in a historic RCS facility in Rutherfordton which is being renovated to provide an inviting space for this dynamic musical ensemble.

The Town of Spindale, in partnership with the Methodist Church and other community stakeholders, is in the process of developing a state-of-the-art skateboard park and bicycle pump track on property the church has conveyed to the Town.

The Phase 1 Streetscape Project in Chimney Rock includes a new Riverwalk Plaza on Main Street between the Gem Mine and Bubba O'Leary's General Store. This 3,000 square foot plaza provides a new public gathering and seating area, improved access to the Riverwalk along the Broad River, street trees, lighting, and on-street parallel parking.

This project will redevelop the former Rutherfordton Golf Course as a community and regional recreation asset. Phase One will include an 18-hole par 66 championship level disc golf course with advanced and intermediate tee pads; a 21-hole par 3 beginner disc golf course; one mile of natural surface hiking/biking rails, 0.7 miles of asphalt trail; picnic shelter, restrooms; parking and lighting.

When complete, the Broad River Paddle Trail will feature a series of improved river access locations starting from the Lake Lure dam and south to the county line. Each access will include parking, signage, and a safe river access.

The Phase 2 Streetscape Project in Chimney Rock includes a section of Main Street near the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park. New sidewalks, street trees, decorative lighting, and vehicle parking are all included in this exciting plan which also proposes outdoor dining areas and enhanced crosswalks. These enhancements will encourage longer visitor stays and help support the local economy.

Forest City is working to advance the engineering and construction of a new farmers market pavilion to support local food and to attract more visitors and residents to downtown.

The Town of Ellenboro recently acquired the Colfax Cotton Gin on Main Street with plans to redevelop the site as a public park and gathering space. Preliminary plans include a tailgate market, pavilion, stage, playground, walking path, public art, and educational signage.

The Legacy Soccer Park will be located at 520 Piney Ridge Road in Forest City and will feature a championship-grade artificial turf soccer field, five natural turf fields, two mini urban soccer pitches, and numerous other associated amenities and support facilities that will transform the 57-acre site into an extraordinary community asset.

The Town of Lake Lure is currently focusing on major improvements at Morse Park including expanded parking, restrooms, and additional paved walking trails.

KidSenses museum features exhibits aimed at kids ages Infancy-10. The museum is currently expanding to include a new maker space workshop called The Factory that appeals to tweens and teens ages 11 and up. This interactive maker space and regional attraction will feature tools and technologies such as Laser Cutters, 3-D Printers, and CNC-Robots.