Glen Alpine celebrates new downtown park

Sunshine, live music, and a strong showing of community spirit marked the official ribbon cutting and community picnic for the new Glen Alpine Downtown Park on Saturday, Nov 1.

More than 50 people attended the celebration, including residents, elected officials, volunteers, and supporters from across Burke County and beyond.

The event, hosted by the Town of Glen Alpine and the Burke River Trail Association (BRTA), celebrated nearly two years of planning, collaboration, and investment in a park designed to serve as both a trailhead and a central gathering place for the town.

Beth Heile, executive director of BRTA, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks:

“It’s truly an honor to stand here today as we officially open Glen Alpine’s new downtown park — a space built for gathering, for connection, and for this town’s bright future.”

“The special thing about this day is the people who are here and what they represent. From Drexel to Valdese, Rutherford College to Morganton, even a few friends from Caldwell County — neighbors are here to show support, cheer each other on, and be part of something bigger. This is the heart of the Burke River Trail,” Heile continued. “Not just connecting towns by trail, but connecting people through pride, partnership, and a shared belief in what’s possible when small towns lift each other up.”

Following Heile’s welcome, Glen Alpine Mayor Michelle Lewis thanked individuals for their support throughout the process.

Alderman Reid Scott, who played a hands-on role in the park’s development, was too moved to speak, but received heartfelt applause.

N.C. House Rep. Hugh Blackwell shared remarks about the value of investing in small towns and expressed gratitude to the state for its participation in Glen Alpine’s progress.

As part of the celebration, BRTA collected 60 pounds in canned food donations for the Glen Alpine Food Pantry — giving back to the community as part of the day’s festivities.

A free community picnic followed the remarks, with hot dogs, cake, and live music by Strung Up. Guests gathered under the newly constructed picnic shelter and enjoyed fellowship.

During the program, Heile presented special “Heron Awards” — handcrafted by local Drexel business Metawood Design Co. — to seven individuals who made significant contributions to the park’s development. Each award featured the inscription: “Your Impact Reaches Farther Than You Know.”

Award recipients included:

• Alderman Reid Scott for his tireless on-the-ground efforts throughout the project.
• Mayor Michelle Lewis for her steady leadership and unwavering support.
• Representative Hugh Blackwell for securing $125,000 in state funding and supporting Burke County’s small towns.
• Stanley Benedict for daily volunteer work and video updates.
• Ethan Benedict for contributions to site prep and seeding the hill.
• Pat Cobb for donating grading services and equipment use.
• Jonathan Holden for exceptional service as general contractor.

The Glen Alpine Downtown Park project was funded through a combination of sources, including:

• $125,000: State of North Carolina
• $55,000: Town of Glen Alpine
• $49,500: Burke River Trail Association
• $6,370: Community donations
• $10,000: Community Foundation of Burke County grant titled “A Place to Gather: Creating Community in Glen Alpine”

The completed park features paved parking, a restroom facility, a 24-by-40-foot picnic shelter, picnic tables (assembled by volunteers), open green space, and a crushed cinder walking loop. It serves as the western trailhead for the developing 40-mile Burke River Trail.