Michael Applegate
Mar 83 min
Outdoor recreation positively impacts physical health, mental well-being, and economic prosperity. However, people with disabilities often encounter obstacles, like physical barriers and concerns about personal safety, when trying to access outdoor spaces. We aim to address these challenges by creating resources emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity in Gaston County's outdoor spaces.
Raise awareness of challenges and opportunities related to outdoor accessibility to better communicate with ALL visitors and residents.
Effectively describe accessibility features of our local trails and facilities.
Make the outdoors accessible for all and create life-changing experiences for people with disabilities.
The goal of the Outdoor NC Accessible Outdoors program is to better promote the accessible and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities offered throughout North Carolina, particularly Gaston County. We proudly boast 30 miles of completed Carolina Thread Trail greenway, of which these nine trailheads present the most accessible portions.
Tuckaseege Park, 165 Broome St., Mount Holly
This 1.2-mile paved greenway connects to a 0.7-mile paved loop in Tuckaseege Park and a 0.3-mile paved segment at the Municipal Complex.
Goat Island Park, 141 8th Ave., Cramerton
The Goat Island Greenway is a paved surface trail that utilizes two pedestrian bridges that cross the South Fork of the Catawba River onto Goat Island Park.
The River Room, 102 Main St., McAdenville
The McAdenville Greenway Park is a 0.8-mile paved trail that runs parallel to the South Fork of the Catawba River and can be easily accessed from downtown McAdenville.
Riverside Park, 75 Riverside Dr., Cramerton
This beautifully paved trail is 1.3 miles out and back and features a picnic area, restrooms, and nearby water access.
Ferguson Park, 109 W. Second Ave., Gastonia
This paved 2.7-mile greenway has several neighborhood entrances in Gastonia. Small bridges cross over creeks, and numerous areas contain information on various bird species seen along the trail.
Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection
Sims Legion Park, 1001 N. Marietta St., Gastonia
A three-mile route consisting of sidewalks and on-street bikeways connects Avon & Catawba Creeks Greenway, downtown, and the Highland Rail Trail.
200 E. Long Ave., Gastonia
The 1.9-mile paved Highland Rail Trail links downtown with Sims Legion Park along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway and extends to Bulb Ave. at Broad St. and Long Ave. intersection.
400 E. Central Ave., Mount Holly
This trail features 0.3 miles of concrete connecting the Municipal Complex, CaroMont Healthy Living Center, and Catawba River Co-op Food Market.
Rankin Lake Park, 1750 Rankin Lake Rd., Gastonia
An 80-acre lake with a 1.6-mile paved trail around its perimeter, the park has a trailhead and connector to the Highland Rail Trail.
Return On Inclusion resonates with us because it's the right thing to do and because, as my friend Earl B. Hunter, Jr., founder and president of Black Folks Camp Too, says, "There's ROI: Return On Inclusion."
An estimated 1 in 7 people around the world have a significant disability, making the group the world's largest minority.
According to MMGY, (a global marketing and advertising agency specializing in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries), worldwide travelers with mobility disabilities took 3.4 trips during the 12 months from August 2021 – July 2022 and collectively spent $60 billion. This spending equates to business if we better avail ourselves to even a fraction of the segment for local transportation, accommodations, restaurants, retail, attractions, and outdoor partners in Gaston County.
Additionally, according to MMGY, 56% of travelers are looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations to immerse themselves in the outdoors, making up a substantial portion of the travel industry related to outdoor recreation.
A commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor recreation is more important than ever to make people with disabilities feel seen and heard with dignity. While we continually strive to increase visitation to our destination along with the spending that brings, we also remain fully committed to constantly improving the visitor experience in Gaston County for all audiences.