The city of Saluda has embarked on an ambitious task to promote the reimagining of McCreery Park along with the prospect of a bike and pedestrian trail called the Saluda Grade Rail Trail. This will realign the parking area as it currently exists and create a new city center.
The melding of these two ideas will transform Saluda’s community space, allowing activities to occur for all ages while supporting the business community and providing recreational activities that were not possible before. The phased list of transformations are outlined below. Also be sure to visit our McCreery Park FAQs page for even more information.
Phase 1 and 1B
Phase 1 and Phase 1B are the first of 4 phases proposed to transform the McCreery Park space over a 5 - year period to enhance the connection of the Saluda Grade Rail Trail and the downtown retail space with the public event space into a natural resource center for all of the community to enjoy throughout the year. Phase 1 incorporates a restructuring and addition of the stage and ampitheatre area and Phase 1B adds an ADA pathway connecting the Pavillion and Playground Areas.
The Playground equipment that is being currently used, is in place as it was before construction started on Phase 1B.
A transitional piece of playground equipment will be in place after Phase 1B is at the stage when children can safely use the equipment. This will remain in place until Phase 3 can be successfully implemented and completed. The pavilion will be receiving repairs and new paint and wiring for upgrades in June 2024.
Phase 2
Phase 1 and 2 Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for October 2, 2024 at 4pm
Phase 2 includes the Multi-Purpose area with a small outdoor presentation space and the Scout Hut renovations which will allow the space to be ued by various community organizations and as classroom space, The Muddy Sneakers Program along with an activity area for Pilates, Yoga, Tia Chi, and other outdoor activities. This work is scheduled to start in the summer of 2024 to be completed by the end of September 2024. The Exercise Path will be constructed in the same sequence as the Phase 2 project and have a proposed completion in the September 2024 timeframe.
Phase 3
Phase 3 will include the addition of 4 new pieces of playground equipment to integrate with the swing set. It will also include a Picnic Area with a knee wall, bench seating, and shade accommodations.
Phase 4
Phase 4 will incluide a Plaza Entrance and a Small Splash Pad area in the Forward Amphitheater area.
Note that Phases 3 and 4 will require additional funds that are not secured at this time. These phases will also depend on the interaction of the public, the City of Saluda, NC State Agencies, and The Friends of McCreery Park in the procurement of the future funds needed to finish the final phases of the project.
