City projects July 2027 reopening for damaged Rockyford Greenway section

Morganton residents will have to wait until summer 2027 for the Rockyford section of the Catawba River Greenway to reopen. The project marks the last Hurricane Helene recovery project for the heavily hit recreation department.

The Rockyford access area has been closed to the public since Hurricane Helene hit Morganton in September 2024. The access area sustained heavy damage with sections of the greenway falling into the river, and will require extensive work to repair, according to Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Fish.

Wildlands Engineering of Charlotte will be handling full design, bidding, and construction management for the project, which is expected to be completed by July 2027. The city council awarded a $384,652 contract to kick off engineering for the project.

The city plans to reimburse the project through FEMA, with council approving the necessary budget adjustments to move the funds into the city’s Helene Capital Projects Fund.

The city previously worked with Wildlands Engineering on the stream restoration project at Bethel Park. The project’s scope will include opportunities to improve flood resiliency and mitigation during future weather events, similar to the work completed at Bethel Park.

Because the site offers limited space for equipment, engineers are will determine whether crews will work from the river itself or from higher ground along the bank.

There’s more positive news coming from the city’s recreation department. On Tuesday, the mountain bike trail at Catawba Meadows Park reopened to the public, offering sections for beginner to advanced riders.

Bikers can access the trail through Catawba Meadows Park or the Rockyford greenway access point at 541 Lenoir Road. However, the section of the greenway at Rockyford will remain closed to the public until construction is completed.