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On the same slope where decades ago young Spindale girls and boys enjoyed a rare snowfall, sledding down the slippery hill, is in this modern day, becoming a new adventure for Spindale's youth and its community.
The groundbreaking of the North Slope Skate Park and Pump Track brought town and county leaders, friends of Spindale and even some of the youngsters who once slid on the slope together to announce the official construction project.
The new recreational park is near the Spindale United Methodist Church on a piece of property donated to the Town of Spindale by the church.
The more than acre of land is also adjacent to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) and is the latest property that will no doubt enhance those walking or cycling on the trail and others coming to Spindale.
The park will include a skateboard bowl and pump track, an area for sitting and restrooms, all accessible to TBRT.
The total cost is $2,710,000 and is being funded through Rutherford County Tourism Development Association (TDA), Rutherford Bound, the Town of Spindale and RHI Legacy Foundation (the primary funder of the TBRT); Stonecutter Foundation, Carolina Rail Trail Partners, Rutherford County, NC Parks and Recreation Fund and Carolina Foothills Foundation.
Jim Cowan from Stonecutter Foundation attended the monumental groundbreaking and said good things are happening in Spindale today and in the future.
Kerry Giles, RHI Legacy's board chair said, "This is a beautiful day in Spindale...we are thrilled to be a partner with Spindale on the North Slope project.
Spindale's Town Manager Scott Webber, ceremony emcee, told the crowd the new park will show "Spindale is a vibrant and inclusive community." He said the North Slope is so much more than a skatepark.
Destination by Design (DBD) is managing the project, as it has managed other Rutherford Bound projects in Rutherford County.
Eric Woodridge, DBD president, thanked the Town of Spindale for supporting the project.
"This is very unique for a town this size to see a grant stack like this," Woodridge said.
He said the project speaks to economic development, health, wellness and community connectivity and a proud moment for Spindale.
Walter Dalton, former Lt. Governor and retired Isothermal Community College President, who grew up in Spindale said the new park will benefit Spindale and all who visit the town.
"This says we are a strong community and we care about our community. It says we are small town friendly," Dalton said. He also thanked the Spindale Methodist Church for its ongoing partnership with the Town of Spindale. He said, "the church has always been a strong community partner. They 100 percent approved the land be (donated) for recreation," Dalton said.
TDA Chair Willard Whitson told the group, "Passion fuels projects like this... small towns do not mean small ideas. He said building the skatepark also means the town does not condemn its youth for "their exuberance."
With the park, there will be a safe and exciting place for the youth, Whitson said.
Don Cason, TDA Executive Director said, "Without vision, none of this could ever happen." He praised the town, leadership of town council and Mayor Mickey Bland for its work.
Bland also thanked Scott Webber for his tireless work. "Without Scott this could not have been possible," said Bland.
The project was also described as a cultural change for Spindale and it shows the town cares for its youth.
Smith Construction is building the park and owner Tommy Smith, who attended the ceremony, said he has built a lot of things, "but nothing like this."
The park should be open by the summer of 2025.
