Residents and visitors of Rutherford County will soon have a new way to recreate! Spindale has broken ground on North Slope Skate and Ride. On Tuesday, September 10, project leaders, government officials, supporters, and residents gathered for a special groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the park.
The gathering included a ceremonial first dig and speeches from key stakeholders–including Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber. After thanking everyone who worked together to bring the project from conception to reality, Mr. Webber emphasized the purpose of the park as a place for community and connection.
“Our vision was to create a space where everyone can come together,” he said. “We are not just building a skate park and pump track facility, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant community hub that will inspire and energize generations to come.”
The new park is part of an ongoing effort by Rutherford Bound to enhance recreation and community assets that cater to both residents and visitors. North Slope Skate and Ride exemplifies this effort, offering space for outdoor enjoyment and community connection.
Mickey Bland, Mayor of Spindale, took the podium during the ceremony to thank all who collaborated to make the project possible–particularly Spindale United Methodist Church. The church’s congregation voted unanimously to donate the land that will be the site of the future skate park and pump track. The park will be located where Church Street, Mill Street, and East Main Street come together, with connectivity to Spindale’s vibrant downtown and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.
The plan for North Slope Skate and Ride includes a skatepark with a concrete, in-ground bowl, quarter-pipes, rails, and ledges, as well as a Velosolutions asphalt pump track. A custom sign and information kiosk will welcome visitors, and a 20 x 20-foot picnic shelter will provide a place for skaters, bikers, and onlookers to rest or picnic. Plans also include restrooms, bike racks, and a public plaza. Streetscape elements such as new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and branded furnishings will provide a seamless experience with Spindale’s downtown area. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skateparks, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
The Master Plan for North Slope Park was created by Destination by Design, a multidisciplinary economic development, planning, and design firm based in Boone, NCs. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skateparks, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
Don Cason, Executive Director for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, closed the groundbreaking ceremony by acknowledging those who worked together to fund the North Slope project, including Meta (formerly Facebook), the State of North Carolina, Rutherford County, RCTDA, and several other charitable organizations including RHI Legacy Foundation, Carolina Foothills Foundation, and Stonecutter Foundation.
“Here in Rutherford County, we’re bound together and building tomorrow,” Mr. Cason said. “Without the vision of the communities, none of this would be possible.”
Residents and visitors of Rutherford County will soon have a new way to recreate! Spindale has broken ground on North Slope Skate and Ride. On Tuesday, September 10, project leaders, government officials, supporters, and residents gathered for a special groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the park.
The gathering included a ceremonial first dig and speeches from key stakeholders–including Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber. After thanking everyone who worked together to bring the project from conception to reality, Mr. Webber emphasized the purpose of the park as a place for community and connection.
“Our vision was to create a space where everyone can come together,” he said. “We are not just building a skate park and pump track facility, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant community hub that will inspire and energize generations to come.”
The new park is part of an ongoing effort by Rutherford Bound to enhance recreation and community assets that cater to both residents and visitors. North Slope Skate and Ride exemplifies this effort, offering space for outdoor enjoyment and community connection.
Mickey Bland, Mayor of Spindale, took the podium during the ceremony to thank all who collaborated to make the project possible–particularly Spindale United Methodist Church. The church’s congregation voted unanimously to donate the land that will be the site of the future skate park and pump track. The park will be located where Church Street, Mill Street, and East Main Street come together, with connectivity to Spindale’s vibrant downtown and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.
The plan for North Slope Skate and Ride includes a skatepark with a concrete, in-ground bowl, quarter-pipes, rails, and ledges, as well as a Velosolutions asphalt pump track. A custom sign and information kiosk will welcome visitors, and a 20 x 20-foot picnic shelter will provide a place for skaters, bikers, and onlookers to rest or picnic. Plans also include restrooms, bike racks, and a public plaza. Streetscape elements such as new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and branded furnishings will provide a seamless experience with Spindale’s downtown area. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skateparks, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
The Master Plan for North Slope Park was created by Destination by Design, a multidisciplinary economic development, planning, and design firm based in Boone, NCs. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skateparks, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
Don Cason, Executive Director for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, closed the groundbreaking ceremony by acknowledging those who worked together to fund the North Slope project, including Meta (formerly Facebook), the State of North Carolina, Rutherford County, RCTDA, and several other charitable organizations including RHI Legacy Foundation, Carolina Foothills Foundation, and Stonecutter Foundation.
“Here in Rutherford County, we’re bound together and building tomorrow,” Mr. Cason said. “Without the vision of the communities, none of this would be possible.”
The Town of Spindale is soon- to- be home to Rutherford County's newest recreation space: The Spindale Flow Park (working name). The region's first skatepark and pump track is being built in Downtown Spindale, at the intersection of East Main and Steward Streets on 1.6 acres of land generously donated by the Spindale United Methodist Church. The proximity of the Flow Park to Downtown Spindale and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is an excellent opportunity to bring a new user group to downtown and the TBRT.
The Town of Spindale has contracted with DbD, a Boone-based planning and design firm, to oversee the project. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skatepark design, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track.
Since the original plans were released in March of 2022, the site layout and preliminary grading plan have been completed, along with initial branding and visual identity. Additionally, early plans for furnishings and landscaping have been released.
New additions to the plans include combined skatepark features and an open plaza, a staircase with bleacher seating, and lower single stall restroom (in addition to the two-stall restroom already called for in the additional plan).
The Spindale Flow Park is funded by investments from Meta and the RHI Legacy Foundation, as well as monies from the Town of Spindale TDA Fund, Spindale TDA match, Rutherford Bound/ Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, and the Parks & Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).
The Town of Spindale was awarded the $425,000 PARTF Grant in August of 2022 to build the skatepark and pump track and assist with achieving the following goals:
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.
Students from Rutherford County Schools (RCS) & their families joined Watts Water employees, RCS staff, and other community leaders to celebrate the installation of a 1000-foot banner featuring student artwork along a busy section of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT).
The ribbon was cut by Ritchie Garland, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for Rutherford County Schools during a ceremony held on Friday, May 20th. The installation of the banner was timed to coincide with the end of the school year, so students could view their artwork along the TBRT before school let out for summer vacation.
Garland went on to thank the teachers involved in the project, noting that when he emailed them requesting student involvement on this project, they immediately began working with their students to produce the artwork for this incredible public art installation. Students who contributed artwork gathered during the ribbon cutting to be recognized for their creativity and hard work.
Located along a heavily-trafficked section of the TBRT, the Watts Water facility installed the artwork and upgraded landscaping in an effort to beautify and improve their area bordering the trail. Additionally, Watts Water employees came up with the idea to partner with the local school system for the artwork that now hangs from the fence separating the facility from the trail.
“This project is an example of a true collaborative effort. Combining the talents of the students with the support from Watts, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Partners, and the Rutherford County TDA has resulted in a great enhancement to the trail.” said Ron Hancock, Senior Planner at Destination by Design, an economic development and planning firm that helped facilitate the project.
In 2021, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Partners, an alliance of local leaders responsible for the management of the trail, adopted the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan, identifying several areas slated for improvement, including: trail access & safety, signage, public art, and landscaping. The stretch of trail alongside the Watts Water facility is one of the areas that was suggested for improvement; spurring Watts Water leadership to team up as a corporate sponsor of Rutherford Bound to complete this project.
Looking for the perfect way to spend a sunny day in downtown Spindale, NC? With three miles of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail's (TBRT) 13.5 miles running the length of town, Rutherford County residents (and visitors!) will enjoy hopping on their bikes and exploring this historic trail town.
Spindale House is the perfect 'home-base' for your adventure, with ample free street parking and a new EV charger available to the public. Located in the heart of Main Street, Spindale House serves as a gathering place for all ages. Outside, you can enjoy a picnic while watching children play on the swings or just sitting in the beautifully landscaped gazebo area. The trailhead to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is located just across Main Street, so grab your bikes, grab your kids and you're on your way.
No matter which way you ride along the trail, you'll experience the beautiful rolling landscapes typical of Rutherford County. Because the trail has been built along the original site of the Southern Railway, the pathways are relatively flat -- which can be a nice change from some of the steep elevation changes found in and around the North Carolina mountains. The trail is a leisurely ride, skate, walk, or run for anyone -- kids and pets welcome! Keep an eye out for new enhancements to the TBRT as they continue to pop up, beginning with the Rutherford County Schools & Watts Water project, scheduled to be finished up by the end of the school year.
After you've finished your ride, you've earned a delicious meal at one of the restaurants that border Main Street around Spindale House. From a slice of pizza to a classic BBQ sammy, there are lots of options for all of you hungry adventurers. Coming soon -- Mill Town Brewing, a new nanobrewery, is slated to open soon in a restored 1926 building just a five-minute walk from the TBRT trailhead. Perhaps a Thermal Belt Rail Tr-ALE would be at home on the menu?
Shredders of all ages in western North Carolina will find a warm welcome in downtown Spindale next year as town leaders move forward on plans for the region's first skatepark and pump track.
Thanks to a generous 1.6-acre donation of land from Spindale United Methodist Church and a $300,000 leadership grant from Meta, the company that pioneered the social media platform Facebook, the state of the art skatepark and pump track will offer visitors to Spindale yet another reason to enjoy the town's recreation-oriented outdoor spaces. Spindale town leaders have continued to prioritize investment in outdoor recreation opportunities as a means of improving quality of life for residents and visitors and to draw business opportunities to the downtown.
"We're proud to support the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track. It's an exciting enhancement to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and will be a tremendous amenity for our community. We are grateful to the team of local business, civic and government visionaries who have come together to create this unique experience that will be enjoyed by all of our neighbors in Rutherford County."
Tara Tenorio, Meta Community Development Regional Manager
The future Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track will be located at the intersection of East Main and Steward Streets in Downtown Spindale, on 1.6 acres of land donated by the Spindale United Methodist Church and is directly adjacent to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT). Scott Webber, Spindale's town manager, says the skatepark is a long-held dream that is now becoming a reality. He says Meta, in combination with other generous donors, has helped them move forward with a tangible timeline toward completing the project some time in 2023. Meta has been part of the WNC community since breaking ground on its Forest City Data Center in 2010.
“If it weren’t for Meta’s investment in our community, the Skatepark would simply not be possible at this time. Their initial funding has been the catalyst, the spark needed, to move this project from concept to reality and has led to additional funding partners coming to the table to help bring this project to fruition.”
Scott Webber, Spindale Town Manager
The proximity of the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail is an excellent opportunity to attract a brand-new user group to the trail. The TBRT is a remarkable community asset that originated from a concerted effort to connect several municipalities and encourage collaboration within the county. As the trail continues to grow, these relationships have been cemented and additional communities have been brought into this joint effort.
Spindale United Methodist Church leadership says this is an exciting opportunity to promote activities in this thriving community.
“As longtime advocates of the revitalization of the town of Spindale, the people of Spindale United Methodist Church are exceedingly excited about the vast possibilities a new skatepark brings to the area. As is gleaned from the early church in antiquity, having a sense of community (Greek “Koinonia”) is woven into the very fabric of who we are as God’s people. Thus, in donating our front property to the town of Spindale to be used as a safe connecting point for people of all ages, Spindale UMC is humbled by the opportunity to take faithful steps in expanding the boundaries of God’s purest space (Koinonia) within our beloved community.”
Eric Mashburn, Pastor at Spindale United Methodist Church
“The town is grateful and appreciative of the generosity of Spindale United Methodist Church. This gift will benefit the town and its citizens and will take advantage of the proximity of the property to the “Rails to Trails”, said the Mayor of Spindale, Mickey Bland.
Alex Gotherman with Boone-based planning and design firm, Destination by Design (DbD), presented plans for the Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track to area leaders at a January 24th Board of Commissioners meeting. The American Ramp Company, a national leader in skateparks, will be responsible for the final design and construction of the skatepark and pump track. In addition to these recreation facilities, current plans include new restrooms near the TBRT, a shelter with picnic tables, and custom bike racks and benches.
The Spindale Skatepark & Pump Track initiative was initially introduces as part of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan, which was led by Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, Rutherford County, and municipal leaders from Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City.
The Town of Spindale has secured approximately $820,000 for this project thus far and will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities throughout 2022 while engineering documents are being prepared. A groundbreaking for the project is expected in spring 2023.
