Robbinsville – After years of discussion and planning, it appears that a tranquil, outdoor connection between Robbinsville Middle/High School and the Stanley Ball Field may finally come to life.
The GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) organization is currently seeking firms to design the "Robbinsville Greenway," a two-mile loop that would include trails, multi-purpose fields, bridges/boardwalks and public restrooms.
Funding for the project will be provided by the Great Trail State Program. "The proposed greenway loop will provide a safe, accessible route for residents to enjoy walking, rollerblading, jogging, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized recreation such as scooters and skateboards," explained GREAT Executive Director Michelle Shiplet. "This initiative aims to create a scenic corridor that connects key areas of Robbinsville, including parks, schools and local businesses, while preserving the natural beauty of Graham County. By prioritizing green infrastructure, this project will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
"The Greenway will provide community residents with an alternative to navigating sidewalks alongside heavily-trafficked roads, or having to go out of town to public parkland and ascend steep mountains."
At one end will be the affectionally-named "Stanley Ball Field" – coined for the former Stanley Furniture Plant that once resided off Snowbird Road. Now the future home of EcoKing Solutions, the greenway will begin (or end, depending on your point of entry) with a 3,600-foot-loop around the massive plant. The circle will be filled with plenty of baseball, soccer and softball fields; as well as an amphitheater.
Along the way, travelers will enjoy a pedestrian bridge – plus a bike/walking path at Long Creek; a picnic shelter, fishing outposts and tubing put-ins at Tri-County Community College); new benches, walkways and multipurpose courts (basketball, pickleball and tennis) at the Graham County Park; an expanded area for the Graham County Farmers' Market – which include edible gardens, a barn events space and walking/exercise path – off Knight Street; and an improved picnic area, beach volleyball, dog park and more at the school itself.
Shiplet said that community input will play a key role in the final design of the greenway.
"The Robbinsville Greenway will greatly enhance connectivity, improve access to local trails, close gaps in the town's trail network and create valuable opportunities for economic growth," Shiplet noted. "By linking key community destinations, such as local businesses, the county library, the community college, and the Graham County School system, the greenway will strengthen connections within Robbinsville.
"As the first trail of its kind in Graham County, it will provide a safe, accessible and scenic route for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation away from busy roads: promoting healthier lifestyles, fostering a stronger sense of community, and enhancing residents' quality of life."
The greenway will also help address the county's need for exercise options. While a fitness center is also in the works, the 2024 Graham County Community Health Assessment named obesity, nutrition and physical activity as three concerning areas. Additionally, heart disease was attributed as one of the leading causes of death in Graham County. Diabetes and mental health/substance abuse disorder were also focused on as a major concern.
"Each of these conditions can be greatly improved through physical activity and the greenway will make that easier for many," Shiplet added.
Proposals for designing and engineering are being accepted through Friday, Feb. 13.
For more details, call Shiplet at 828-346-6131.