Ararat River Restoration Project by Mount Airy Parks and Recreation |
The Ararat River Restoration, Greenway and Parks project provides
water quality improvements and recreational opportunities along the
Ararat River. The Ararat River flows through the quaint downtown of
Mount Airy in Surry County North Carolina. As a major open
space linkage between the City’s existing and The Ararat River
Restoration and
Greenway project
has received support and funding
from the NC Clean Water
Management Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (2007 and
2008), the Division of Water Quality and the Resource Institute. When
complete, the project will begin at Riverside
Park and connect to Mount Airy Middle School
and Tharrington Elementary School. It will |
In 1991, planning efforts began as leaders recommended a Riverside Park Greenway Project in a Land and Water Conservation Grant application. In 2001, a Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan was developed and again identified and recommended additional planning efforts for the Ararat River Corridor. In 2001, Phase 1, of the Emily B. Taylor Greenway located on the west side of town, was opened. Phase 2 of the Emily B. Taylor Greenway opened in 2004 and continues to be one of the most used recreational venues in Surry County, therefore establishing that multi-use greenway projects are well received by our community. In 2004, the Ararat River Corridor got the attention of the Pilot View Resource Conservation and Development along with input from the HB Rowe Environmental Park Task Force, and a partnership was formed. In January of 2005, the city developed Mount Airy’s first recreation department and assumed the responsibility of Reeves Community Center (built in 1951) and additional facilities and programs. In September 2006, a series of public meetings were held regarding the Ararat River Corridor to gain public input and a hand written public comment form was distributed. The planning department made appointments with land owners and would obtain easements over the next two years. Without the support of the landowners, this project would not have been possible. The results of the public meetings and information were reflected in the recommendations in Ararat River Greenway Comprehensive Recreational Master Plan developed by Greenways, Inc. in January 2007. This plan was adopted by both the Recreation Commission and the Board of Commissioners. In December of 2008, upon receiving multiple grants from the aforementioned For pictures and additional
information, check out the
Ararat River Project link
|
Before and after view of the greenway.
For more information contact the Resource Institute, Inc. at 336-750-0522 (Fax 336-750-0177)
or email twinfrey@pilotviewrcd. Office: 2714 Henning Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
