Several communities in Rowan County are hosting open houses to solicit feedback from residents and the public on preliminary trail recommendations for the master plan of the Carolina Thread Trail.
A regional network of trails, greenways and blueways linking 15 counties in North and South Carolina, the Carolina Thread Trail offers opportunities for biking, hiking, paddling and connecting with nature and exploring the culture and history of the region.
The Thread Trail is made up of segments that are designed, built and owned by the communities through which the trail network is woven. The master plan will provide a long-term vision for the development and implementation of trails and greenways within and between the communities of Rowan County.
Organizers say citizen participation is vital to the successful development of a final trail plan, and Rowan County residents are encouraged to participate in the planning process for trails in their communities.
Meetings to launch trail planning in Rowan County were first held in January to educate residents about the master plan and obtain initial feedback and trail suggestions. From those suggestions and other planning information, a more comprehensive greenway master plan for Rowan County communities was developed.
The public is invited to participate in the Thread Trail planning process through four upcoming open house sessions. The same information will be provided at each session, and each is drop-in style.
Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the master planning process and the locations for potential trails.
Rowan County open houses include:
• July 22, 5–7 p.m.
Granite Lake Park, 500 N. Salisbury Ave., Granite Quarry
Rain Location: Granite Quarry Town Hall, 143 N. Salisbury Ave., Granite Quarry
• July 24, 5–7 p.m.
Salisbury Community Park, 935 Hurley School Road, Salisbury
Rain Location: Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury
• July 29, 5–7 p.m.
8th Street Park, 705 8th St., Spencer
Rain Location: Spencer Town Hall, 600 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer
• July 31, 6–8 p.m.
Kannapolis Intimidators Game (must have game ticket), CMC-NorthEast Stadium, 2888 Moose Road, Kannapolis
For more information, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org or contact Randi Gates, grants director and community coordinator, at 704-376-2556 ext. 217 or randi@carolinathreadtrail.org.