Donations are needed to show community support for the new downtown park in Glen Alpine as part of the NC PARTF grant application. The goal is to raise $10,000 by April 22.
Located at the intersection of Bridge Street and Linville Street, the new gathering space will spur downtown revitalization with an event lawn for festivals, a picnic shelter, playground and restroom. The 1.3 acre site is town owned property and is on the proposed route of the Fonta Flora State Trail and regional Burke River Trail.
The NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant application for the $380,000 project uses $190,000 in local funding to match $190,000 from the state. Local funding is made up of
- $125,000 State Appropriation
- $25,000 Existing Town Park Account
- $10,000 Burke River Trail Association
- $30,000 Town of Glen Alpine
Park amenities in phase one will include
- Playground with Fence
- Picnic Shelter
- Event Lawn
- Restroom
- Parking
- Entrance Sign and Kiosk
- Landscaping
Future amenities include
- Pavilion
- Art Sculpture
- Story Book Trail
- Town History Kiosk
- More Parking
- More Playground Equipment
- Signage at Intersection
Since Glen Alpine is the western terminus of the Burke River Trail, the Burke River Trail Association has been helping with the trailhead park design and grant application. The next effort will be a one mile section of trail or sidewalk that Glen Alpine residents and businesses could enjoy along Watermill Glen Alpine Rd to get to the river. The route would provide an out and back 2 mile path for health (physical, mental and social), transportation (homes to town, from town to the water) and economic development opportunities in downtown.
At the April Glen Alpine Aldermen meeting, Beth Heile, Burke River Trail Executive Director, shared that based on the funds available at that time, a restroom would not be included in phase one construction of the park. The aldermen made the decision to commit $30,000 to the project so the amenity would be included.
Park donations can be made to the Burke River Trail Association. Checks mailed to 204 E Main Street, Valdese 28690. Or, via paypal
