Marion celebrates opening of Phase II of Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway

Surrounded by patrons and residents enjoying the newest section of greenway, the City of Marion officially celebrated the grand opening of Phase II of the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway on April 21, 2015. Mayor Steve Little hosted the event. Bob Boyette, City Manager, thanked the many involved in the project, including McGill Associates, which provided design and PARTF funding assistance for both phases of the greenway. Many members of the City Council spoke about their excitement for the new section of greenway.

Frank Dean, President of the McDowell Trails Association (MTA), spoke about how proud they all are of this greenway before officially cutting the ribbon. Many members of the MTA in attendance expressed enthusiasm for the project. The crowd then went for a walk on the greenway. During the ribbon cutting, people of all ages were using the greenway for walking, running, and skateboarding.

As part of the civil design and construction administration services that McGill Associates provided, the project extends the original greenway and was constructed across the right-of-way for U.S. 221. The new portion of the greenway is approximately 3,000 linear feet and includes a parking lot, driveway, canoe launch, and amphitheater. The greenway was designed to pass under the bridge carrying U.S. 221 over the Catawba River and provide additional outdoor recreation amenities for the City of Marion.