In 2024, residents of Rutherford County will have a new way to play! Plans are in motion for the construction of Norris Recreation Complex, a 50-acre park that will include a disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, a picnic shelter, and other amenities.
The disc golf course will be the highlight of the enhancements currently being planned for the Norris Recreation Complex. With 18 holes and tee pads ranging from beginner to advanced levels, the course will welcome players of every level. At the Norris Recreation Complex, competitive disc golfers can challenge their skills and families can try the sport for the first time on a 21-hole par 3 beginner course.
"The courses we're designing will provide disc golf opportunities for all ages, no matter your ability," said Doug Barrick, the Town Manager of Rutherfordton. "It's a great way to get outside to spend quality time with the people you love."
Plentiful parking, as well as landscaping, restrooms, directional signs, and lighting will ensure that Norris Park is a comfortable and safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. Sheltered picnic tables and both paved and unpaved paths will invite disc golfers to stay for a hike or a packed lunch after they finish their game.
The Town of Rutherfordton has contracted with Destination by Design (DbD), a Boone-based planning and design firm, to oversee the project. DbD will work with Ace Place a NC-based disc golf design company, to implement the course plan.
The acreage that will become Norris Park was originally developed as the Rutherfordton Golf Course in 1929 by Dr. Henry Norris. In the late thirties, Dr. Norris donated it to the town of Rutherfordton for use as a public golf course. But after decades of use, the level of play at the course gradually declined until it closed in late 2018.
This beautiful spot of land, with sloping hills, a stream, and hardwood and evergreen trees, has been unused for nearly five years. The Rutherfordton Town Council believed the property should continue to be a recreational asset for the citizens of Rutherfordton, and encouraged the public to join the conversation as a vision was created for this outdoor space.
Working together, the town council, local citizens, grantors, and other stakeholders, have crafted a plan that will serve as a broader influence than the park's previous use, and will expand the recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Norris Recreation Complex is being funded by grants from the RHI Legacy Foundation, the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and the Carolina Foothills Foundation, as well as support from the Rutherford County TDA and the Rutherford County Recreation Fund.
"Here in Rutherford County we love the outdoors, and this is just one more opportunity to get out there," said Adam Thomas, a member of the Town of Rutherfordton's Parks and Recreation Committee.
In 2024, residents of Rutherford County will have a new way to play! Plans are in motion for the construction of Norris Recreation Complex, a 50-acre park that will include a disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, a picnic shelter, and other amenities.
The disc golf course will be the highlight of the enhancements currently being planned for the Norris Recreation Complex. With 18 holes and tee pads ranging from beginner to advanced levels, the course will welcome players of every level. At the Norris Recreation Complex, competitive disc golfers can challenge their skills and families can try the sport for the first time on a 21-hole par 3 beginner course.
"The courses we're designing will provide disc golf opportunities for all ages, no matter your ability," said Doug Barrick, the Town Manager of Rutherfordton. "It's a great way to get outside to spend quality time with the people you love."
Plentiful parking, as well as landscaping, restrooms, directional signs, and lighting will ensure that Norris Park is a comfortable and safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. Sheltered picnic tables and both paved and unpaved paths will invite disc golfers to stay for a hike or a packed lunch after they finish their game.
The Town of Rutherfordton has contracted with Destination by Design (DbD), a Boone-based planning and design firm, to oversee the project. DbD will work with Ace Place a NC-based disc golf design company, to implement the course plan.
The acreage that will become Norris Park was originally developed as the Rutherfordton Golf Course in 1929 by Dr. Henry Norris. In the late thirties, Dr. Norris donated it to the town of Rutherfordton for use as a public golf course. But after decades of use, the level of play at the course gradually declined until it closed in late 2018.
This beautiful spot of land, with sloping hills, a stream, and hardwood and evergreen trees, has been unused for nearly five years. The Rutherfordton Town Council believed the property should continue to be a recreational asset for the citizens of Rutherfordton, and encouraged the public to join the conversation as a vision was created for this outdoor space.
Working together, the town council, local citizens, grantors, and other stakeholders, have crafted a plan that will serve as a broader influence than the park's previous use, and will expand the recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Norris Recreation Complex is being funded by grants from the RHI Legacy Foundation, the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and the Carolina Foothills Foundation, as well as support from the Rutherford County TDA and the Rutherford County Recreation Fund.
"Here in Rutherford County we love the outdoors, and this is just one more opportunity to get out there," said Adam Thomas, a member of the Town of Rutherfordton's Parks and Recreation Committee.
Rutherfordton City Manager Doug Barrick, Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber, and Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason welcomed WLOS (Asheville, NC) to film several installments of their popular Road Trippin' segment.
In an episode especially dedicated to discussing Rutherford Bound initiatives occurring in the Main Street Region (Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City), WLOS spoke briefly about several accomplishments completed during Rutherford Bound Phase One.
They also covered upcoming projects that have been identified for Rutherford Bound Phase Two, like The Factory in Rutherfordton, the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track, and the Forest City Farmer's Market/ Park Square Depot.
You can watch all of the WLOS Road Trippin' segments filmed in Rutherford County by visiting their website.
Rutherford County is home to a myriad of walking, hiking, and biking options, including easy-going rides along area Greenways. The Rutherford Bound Master Plan continues to build and improve opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
For hikers and cyclists looking for a pleasant, easy trip (or for families with young children), the Purple Martin Greenway (PMG) is the perfect place to explore wildlife, creeks, waterfalls, and local plant life along the two-mile, paved trail. The PMG is kid, pet, and bike friendly and features shady trails and a picnic shelter alongside Cleghorn Creek. The Greenway connects Kiwanis Park and Crestview Park and runs parallel to Main Street in downtown Rutherfordton, NC.
Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT)
What began a decade ago as a grassroots effort to develop a Rail Trail along the out-of-service Old Southern Railway tracks has now emerged as a popular 13.5 mile paved trail spanning four municipalities, thanks to a concerted community effort from Rutherford County. Currently, as part of the Rutherford Bound initiative, the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority is working to provide extensive enhancements along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, including public art and gateways inviting users to visit the various communities along the trail, improved aesthetics, additional landscaping, pocket parks and more.
Visitors to the TBRT enjoy a flat path with numerous access points along the trail, allowing users to either choose a short journey or complete the entire 27-mile round trip. A natural canopy provides lots of shade along the way and seven devoted parking areas ensure a seamless transition onto the trail. Recently, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail was featured on PBS: North Carolina Weekend as an example of how Rail Trails can connect communities and engage citizens.
With the addition of The Factory, the KidSenses Museum will become a community destination by providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences for all ages.
We want to provide a framework that stimulates curiosity and gives teens a tool for inquiry.
Executive Director, Willard Whitson
March 18, 2021 - RUTHERFORDTON, NC - On Thursday, the Town of Rutherfordton and officials from across the county and state celebrated a new phase of construction on the downtown interactive learning space known as “The Factory.”
The Factory building and adjacent Discovery garden comprise a 16,000 square feet addition to KidSenses, and will significantly increase the capacity of the well-known Rutherford County educational attraction.
In contrast to the original KidSenses space for young children, The Factory will be a “maker space” for teens and preteens, offering learning tools and technologies such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and robotics. When complete, the space will include a culinary studio where teens can test out recipes and learn cooking skills, a workshop with power tools, as well as a tech lab with advanced tools.
“We want to provide a framework that stimulates curiosity and gives teens a tool for inquiry,” said Executive Director Willard Whitson. He says the facility will also provide family-wide and intergenerational educational and mentorship opportunities.
“We anticipate opportunities for older generations to engage young people intellectually and creatively in mentorship roles,” Whitson said. “There are so many talented and smart people who have knowledge and skills they would love to share.”
This is Phase 2 of a three-phase construction project that will further enhance downtown Rutherfordton as a regional destination. The expansion will make KidSenses Museum a whopping 27,000-square-foot complex in the middle of downtown, and it involves renovating downtown’s historic Red Rock Bottling Facility. This phase also includes a modern elevator and stair tower, facade improvements, and the creation of an exterior Discovery Garden.
Town Manager, Doug Barrick, spoke of the impact that The Factory will have on Rutherfordton.
“When we talk about opportunities in our community; for ways for our youth to stay here, to grow, and to find well-paying jobs, those begin in buildings like this”.
Mandi Williams, Deputy Director of KidSenses, says The Factory addition will further the vision originally set forth as the KidSenses Museum was being realized years ago.
“It’s always been the mission of KidSenses to help children understand themselves and their world better through a hands-on learning experience, and I can’t think of any better way to do that other than the expansion we’re standing in today--The Factory. Through this, we can continue to reach and grow with the children in our community.”
The Factory project is another significant piece of the broader, countywide vision of “Rutherford Bound,” an initiative led by the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) and other local leaders to revitalize and enhance quality-of-life infrastructure across all of Rutherford County through streetscape enhancements, improved parks and pedestrian areas, and a system of greenways, trails, and river access points.
"The Factory expansion project is what Rutherford Bound is all about,” says Don Cason, the RCTDA Executive Director, “because when we create a better place to live, work, and play, we create a better place to visit." As part of “Rutherford Bound”, The Factory project will provide for greater visibility, livability, and economic opportunity for all of Rutherford County.
Rutherfordton Mayor, Jimmy Dancy, says the KidSenses Museum and this new addition are a long-held dream-come-true. “It wasn’t too many years ago that some concerned citizens decided it would be good to have activities for young people right on Main Street,” said Mayor Dancy. “That was a terrific idea. It speaks volumes about this community, and everyone involved should take pride in what this has become.”
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.
Phase 1 was completed in 2020, which consisted of structural stabilization and remediation; the installation of new energy-efficient windows throughout the building; and new entrances and preparation for Phase 2.
Phase 2 (the most extensive of three phases) commences in February 2021 and will consist of site preparation for and construction of the stair and elevator tower; construction of the new entrance balcony; construction of new restroom facilities and plumbing infrastructure. We anticipate completing this work by the end of summer, 2021.
Feb. 25, 2021 - RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. ––
Today, the town of Rutherfordton celebrated the opening of the newly-constructed Kiwanis Park on 5.7 acres of open space in the heart of Downtown. This project has been a long-term collaborative effort involving local and county leadership, generous support and input from Rutherfordton residents, and from the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club, who purchased the property over 20 years ago.
A true community effort- from packed rooms of interested stakeholders to local donors- the community lent their voice to help create the original vision for the park, which is why local leaders invited others from across the state to commemorate this great community accomplishment.
You are the reason that we had success with this,” said Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy, expressing gratitude to the many local leaders, donors, and residents who collaborated to bring about the expansive project. “Take pride in what you see around you. You had a part in making this possible.”
At its Grand Opening, Kiwanis Park will feature green space, walking paths, a covered pavilion, other seating areas, a soon-to-be-finished dog park, and a 10,000 sqft adventure playground that town manager Doug Barrick describes as “the kind of treehouse you always wanted as a kid.” The playground includes a two-story tower with climbing walls for multiple skill levels, a 12 ft tube slide, as well as monkey bars, tire swings, balance beams, an embankment slide, and tree stump hops.
Additionally, the park connects with the 3-mile Purple Martin Greenway to provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to Main Street.
“Kiwanis Park effectively completes the original vision for the Purple Martin Greenway by connecting the Crestview Park in the Southern part of Town to Kiwanis Park on the North Side of Town,” Barrick says.
With nearly 75 percent of Rutherfordton residents living within half a mile of the Purple Martin Greenway, the Kiwanis Park project will serve to connect residents and businesses like never before by encouraging trail users to visit the many small businesses located on Main Street. And local leaders are hoping for a real economic impact.
But all of this, marked by the Grand Opening today, is only Phase One for the park, which required $879,000 to build. Indicative of the overwhelming community excitement for the project, at least $46,230 originated as local support, with the remaining funds coming through a combination of statewide grants, the Town of Rutherfordton, Rutherford County, as well as several community organizations and foundations. Scheduled to be finished in April, a state-of-the-art dog park and shelter is specifically being made possible by generous funding from the local Abrams family in honor of their son Marshall.
Requiring an additional $121,000, phase two of the project is planned to include a large gazebo, additional parking, and restrooms, the fundraising for which is now underway.
“What creates a community is the unity between each other. It’s the strength of our relationships,” Barrick said, honoring the generosity of numerous donors. “Today we’re celebrating the success of this community and how we move forward together as a town.”
Dan Hegeman, a long-time member and past president of the Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club said the Kiwanis Park is the culmination of many years of planning and dreaming.
“This is the result of 25 years of efforts beginning in 1994,” Hegeman said, emphasizing the organization's commitment to strengthening the lives and futures of children. “In three more years Rutherfordton Kiwanis will celebrate 100 years as a club in this community. We’re at a historical crossroads, and every life has crossroads. We want to meet children at the crossroads of their lives and help guide them.”
The original Kiwanis Park Master Plan was developed by the consulting firm Destination by Design with extensive input coming from local leaders and business owners. Knight Strategies & Odom Engineering are responsible for the final design and construction of the park.
This project is another significant piece of the broader, countywide vision of “Rutherford Bound”, an initiative led by the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA) and other local leaders to revitalize and enhance quality-of-life infrastructure across all of Rutherford County through streetscape enhancements, improved parks and pedestrian areas, and a system of greenways, trails, and river access points.
"Kiwanis Park is what Rutherford Bound is all about,” says Don Cason, the RCTDA Executive Director, “when we create a better place to live, work, and play, we create a better place to visit."
Kiwanis Park features green space, walking paths, a covered pavilion, other seating areas, a soon-to-be-finished dog park, and a 10,000 sqft adventure playground that Rutherfordton Town Manager, Doug Barrick, describes as “the kind of treehouse you always wanted as a kid.” The playground includes a two-story tower with climbing walls for multiple skill levels, a 12 ft tube slide, as well as monkey bars, tire swings, balance beams, an embankment slide, and tree stump hops.
Additionally, the park connects with the 3-mile Purple Martin Greenway to provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to Main Street.
Facebook's generous support shows the importance of the visionary Rutherford Bound project.
Watch This Video To Learn More
We have some exciting news to share with Rutherford County and our KidSenses family! We are thrilled to share that KidSenses has received a $300,000 grant from the Facebook Forest City Data Center to support our capital campaign for The FACTORY, which includes a 2,000-square-foot Tech Lab, a hands-on, advanced maker space for children. Partnerships like these are so important to KidSenses and help us continue to provide open, engaging spaces for kids and teens to use their imaginations and create new things. Check out this video for more about the project!
