My Hometown
Page 2B
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Photo Millican Pictorial Museum
This shot shows Stowe Park during its early days when the miniature train was a big attraction. A Ferris wheel and snack bar were also on the scene.
Fun. Fitness. Family Time. A visit to the park is all you need by Alan Hodge Parks and recreational facilities are an important part of the mix that makes living in the BannerNews readership area so rewarding. All the municipalities in the region–Belmont, Mt. Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville – place a great deal of emphasis on fun and fitness and so have a variety of parks that are in place, in the planning stages, or under construction. Belmont’s Stowe Park is one of the best
examples of a municipal park. Located on Main St. in the heart of the city, Stowe Park opened on July 4, 1951. A musical carousel, Ferris wheel, sliding boards, dance floor with juke box and a miniature railroad system filled the original Stowe Park. Plans for this park begin in the 1940’s by Robert L. Stowe Jr. Stowe Park has seen its ups and downs through the years, even seeing its amusements closed for almost 15 years. In 1978, Robert L. Stowe Jr. donated Stowe Park to the City of Belmont as a Christmas
present. Along with community groups and city employees, Stowe Park was open again. Stowe Park now holds the annual GaribaldiFest, Fall Festival, Summer Celebration, movies and concerts, and enjoyment for its daily visitors. Stowe Park can also be reserved for weddings, reunions and other events. Stowe Park will have a new feature come next May when the WWII memorial statute “Spirit of the Fighting Yank� will be moved there from its current location on the grounds of Belmont Middle School. The Yank will be placed in the center of a new pavilion on Main St. surrounded by flowers, shrubbery, and security lights. Another popular recreational area that’s been around for decades in Belmont is Davis Park. This park has seen countless baseball games and also features a nice shady area with large oak trees and picnic tables. Belmont is looking to the future regarding its parks and has several projects in the works. Nearing completion, the Brook Street Soccer Complex (aka Ebb Gantt Park) features two full size soccer fields as well as picnic tables, restrooms, and playground equipment. A new facility that opened this year in Belmont is Rocky Branch Park at the end of W. Woodrow Ave. This park is located on a 28-acre lot and features a pathway and bridges for bicyclists and hikers. The park cost the city next to nothing since much of it is on donated land and work to build the pathway was done by volunteers including members of the Belmont Police Department. Just down the road from the Soccer Complex, the Kevin Loftin River Park is under development on a seven-acre lot on the Catawba River near US29/74. The park is named for former Belmont mayor Kevin Loftin who lost his life in an auto accident in 2012. Plans for the River Park include a
fishing pier, camping area, walking trails, amphitheatre, and restrooms. Construction is slated to start next year. Another recreational facility that Belmont has on its list of future projects is a skate park. Plans for this park have it placed on Chronicle St. next door to the Belmont Police Department. The park will feature ramps and other challenges for skaters who currently lack a suitable place to play. Overall, Belmont has about $37 million worth of parks and recreation projects on its capital improvements “wish list� in the coming years. Cramerton has stepped up to the plate with its Goat Island Park that opened in 2012. Located on the South Fork River across from the downtown area, it took six years of planning and toil to complete the 30-acre park. Construction including clearing tons of underbrush, building piers and an observation deck overlooking the river, smoothing picnic areas, erecting playground equipment, and laying out an 18-hole disc golf course. According to Cramerton Parks and Recreation Director Cam Carpenter, there are more things in the works for Goat Island Park. Potential plans over the next year or two will include another pedestrian bridge to the island from downtown Cramerton, primitive camping sites, more playground equipment, and a fenced in dog park. The trails on Goat Island Park are also part of the Carolina Thread Trail system. A grand opening and 4th of July celebration took place at Goat Island Park and included fireworks, disc golf expo, games, farmers market, canoe rentals, a boat shuttle to the island and live music. Since its opening, Goat Island Park has been a highly popular attraction and the site of several special events. See VISIT, 5B
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704.827.3421 www.mounthollyheatingandair.com
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Judy B. Beam, Administrator Dr. T.R. White, Medical Director
111 Harrilson Road, Cherryville • 704.435.4161
107 Madora Street, Mt. Holly
Serving Eastern Gaston County Since 1955 Financing Available