Rutherford College Greenway Park
The Town of Rutherford College owns five acres directly east of Town Hall, which has long been envisioned as a greenway or park. Primarily wooded with some topography and an existing sewer easement, the site lends itself well to the development of a small passive neighborhood park.
Community engagement sessions conducted by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) suggested that programming should focus on accommodating small children and senior activities. Age-appropriate proposed park elements included an amphitheater, restrooms, picnic shelters, “natural play” areas, a lending library, community gardens and walking paths.
Benesch conducted the site assessment, master plan development, master site plan and cost estimation. In order to best serve the public, the master planning process also included working with the Town Council and the WPCOG, and conducting a public workshop. Town connectivity was established and encouraged by linking to the Town’s existing Municipal Park further south and allowing for easy expansion to the east should the Town acquire adjacent property.