Part of Morganton Greenway now open, parks still recovering

Morganton Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Fish has exciting news: A section of the Morganton Greenway reopened Tuesday, March 4.

The dog park near the soccer complex also opened March 4.

Fish appeared before the Morganton City Council on Monday night to discuss the status of the recreational amenities after Hurricane Helene hit Burke County in September.

The accessible section of the Greenway starts at Freedom Park basketball courts and continues down to the Freedom Pedestrian Bridge over the Catawba River. At the end of the bridge, visitors take either a left or a right.

Parking is available at Freedom Park and Greenlee Ford Road, but restrooms are only available at Freedom Park.

The Silver Creek Bridge, which connects the soccer complex to the Greenway leading to the boardwalk, is closed. The bathrooms, parking lot, and soccer fields remain closed at the Soccer Complex.

Fish explained to the council that they are working diligently to open their parks and the City’s limited staff is being supplemented with contracted crews.

Safety remains a significant concern. Areas of the greenway are not safe for use, especially by the end of the greenway by the Rocky Ford Access. Greenway sections continue to crumble into the Catawba River. Some parks still have mounds of sand piled on their fields.

Other recreation news:

• Shuey Park is on top priority since it will be the park for baseball and softball in the spring; Fish warned that many people will be coming to this location, so they are splitting up the usage of the park. The City is also working on Gene Turner Park to use for spring sports as well.
• The Drexel Heritage Park did not receive as much damage as other Morganton parks, however, the fencing was damaged by fallen trees and debris.
• The following parks still closed are the remaining parts of the greenway, Catawba Meadows Park, and the soccer complex.
• The council approved the purchase of two lawn mowers ($70,705.56) through a state contract.
• The council approved a contract with DH Griffin Wrecking Co., Inc., ($135,454.50) for the demolition and removal of the boardwalk at River Village Shopping Center. Work will potentially start at the end of March.Read more coverage about the Morganton city council meeting in The Paper’s Saturday edition or by visiting www.thepaper.media.