Friends of Hickory will celebrate the groundbreaking of a visionary new park in Downtown Hickory on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 at noon. The park, located just west of Union Square on the corner of Third Street and Main Avenue NW, is the culmination of over two years of planning and fundraising by the non-profit group.
Friends of Hickory board members collaborated with representatives from Lowes Foods, CommScope, and Corning, as well as additional donors, to symbolically transform the present overflow parking lot into a new community gathering space. The park, which is the first project to be developed along the City’s new Citywalk, will offer a cosmopolitan mix of both old and new, with modernized Danish “unstructured” play equipment, outdoor seating, and a splash pad modeled after the Catawba River Valley that pays homage to the area’s geography and history. It will feature pottery by local artist, Kim Ellington, and mosaic tile from regional artist, Leslie Scott. A music section, toddler area, and bicycle repair stand are also planned. 
Additionally, Friends of Hickory will be hosting mosaic workshops where the community can put their mark on the Park! Come make the tiles that will then be placed into the mosaics within the park. The workshops will be held throughout the month of May and June; find details and sign up here.
The City of Hickory applauds the efforts of these private citizens who joined together to enhance the city and create a space for all to enjoy. The park is also an important aspect of “Crafting Hickory,” the City’s revitalization initiative. “This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when folks get together with a common cause,” shared Mayor Rudy Wright. “This is a tremendous enhancement of our overall updating initiatives, which include the bond referendum investments, the splash pad at Kiwanis Park, and the Lackey Conservancy. We are hearing that our city is becoming more beautiful and up to date. Congratulations to Friends of Hickory for their efforts in this multigenerational project.”
Funding options for the park are still available through Mosaic benches and laser-engraved bricks, as well as some naming opportunities. Donations are also being collected online. Park completion is expected in August 2016.
For more information about the Friends of Hickory, please see their website at www.FriendsofHickory.com.
