Local officials, stakeholders, and community members from across Rutherford County gathered on Tuesday, September 3rd to celebrate a new public art installation along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT). Featuring the work of local artist and County Manager Steve Garrison, the 450-foot banner now stretches along a well-traveled, highly visible section of the TBRT between Spindale and Forest City.
Mr. Garrison, who cut the ribbon during the ceremony, was recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to Rutherford County. “We're not here to celebrate me. We're here to celebrate art,” he said. “We're here to try to inspire and motivate people that have any kind of creative energies about them to explore what this is and what it could be.”
Bridging the towns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City, The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a 13.5 mile-long paved multi-use trail that welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. The Rutherford Railroad Development Coalition (RRDC)–an alliance of local leaders responsible for the management of the trail–hopes that new artwork will enhance the TBRT and improve the visitor experience for the walkers, runners, bikers, and skateboarders who enjoy it. In May 2022, another banner featuring art from local students was installed along a nearby section of the trail.
“For us, as Rail Trail partners and for the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, it's a monumental day,” proclaimed Doug Barrick, Chairman of the RRDC. “Anytime we can make improvements to our trail system, it's a special day for us. I cannot think of a better artist or a better way to celebrate the community.”
The trail itself is a product of collaboration between local municipalities, organizations, and charitable groups. The RHI Legacy Foundation–whose mission is to make Rutherford County healthier–provided major funding for the initial development of the rail trail, and continues to support its evolution.
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan was adopted in 2021 by the RRDC and identifies areas for improvement, such as trail access & safety measures, signage, landscaping, and public art. The RRDC partnered with Rutherford Bound to complete the public art installation, just one of many areas slated for future enhancements.
At the ceremony, Don Cason, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, commented on the value of the TRBT for both visitors and community members in the County.
“This is a major tourism asset right here, and it's quality of life for our citizens,” said Mr. Cason, “This trail is phenomenal and we're so excited it’s part of Rutherford Bound. We're going to keep focusing on improvements and working with RHI to enhance this trail up and down all 13.5 miles.”
