Four Randolph County locations to benefit from Great Trails State Program

There should be enhancements for the North Asheboro Greenway as part of state funding for trails. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record)

ASHEBORO — Funding for a few trail projects in Randolph County is coming through the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

This is part of the Great Trails State Program.

The projects are designed to foster economic growth, outdoor recreation, and quality of life. This funding also supports land acquisition, planning, and maintenance efforts.

“The support that we have received from our local legislators for these projects is immense, and we want to thank them for having the vision to support the trail development in the county,” said Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County trail coordinator. “The county is proud to be a member of the Great Trails State Coalition, which worked with the General Assembly to create the GTSP.”

Pugh, who retired from the North Carolina Zoo, said the commitment to the development of trails in the county and statewide is one of the silver linings stemming from the pandemic.

“I never thought this day would come with state funding for trails,” she said.

The sites involved in Randolph County are:

• North Asheboro Greenway: $134,000 for design and engineering, enhancing connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities in Asheboro.
• DRST Harlan Creek Bridge: $175,000 allocated for design and engineering, connects the two sections of the trail for a total of four miles connecting Franklinville to Ramseur.
• DRST Randleman Dam to Randleman Blueway/Paddleway: $172,000 to develop a scenic water-based trail and fishing access, promoting eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
• Hope Valley Road Trail Extension (Archdale): $143,250 for trail design, providing residents and visitors additional pathways for biking and walking.

Pugh said the Great Trails State Program provides funding for various types of trails, noting that the sites in Randolph County all have different needs.

“None of these projects would be feasible without this funding,” she said. “We’ve got four communities really, really happy that they got picked for these projects.”

The Deep River State Trail involving the Harland Creek Bridge will connect two communities.

“You can go from downtown Ramseur all the way to Franklinville,” she said.

Asheboro city officials were pleased to be part of the funding.

“This greenway project is a great example of how we can align local priorities with state resources to bring lasting value to our community,” assistant city manager Trevor Nuttall said. “By leveraging grant dollars, we’re able to move forward with important recreational improvements while allowing city resources to remain focused on public safety and infrastructure needs.”

Overall, the governor’s office allocated nearly $11 million for trail design and engineering in the Piedmont encompassing 37 projects.

“This is a one-time thing,” Pugh said, noting that there will be a push for renewals of the program.

Pugh said she’s seeking more grants for additional projects.