Yadkin River Park

Once pegged for demolition, the almost 100-year-old Wil-Cox Roadway Bridge has been transformed into a destination for community members and tourists as part of the new Yadkin River Park. Officials and citizens of Davidson County fought to preserve the bridge and its historical importance. After a successful petition to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the County took ownership of the bridge and 20+ acres of adjacent land and sought to completely revitalize the area.

Benesch worked with the County to prepare a master plan, developing a vision for a new park featuring a picnic shelter, rain gardens, riverwalk, and historic trail. Following approval of the master plan, Benesch developed final construction plans.

The Wil-Cox Roadway Bridge, freshly converted into a multi-modal pedestrian bridge, is now the centerpiece of Yadkin River Park. The 1,300-foot bridge connects pedestrians and cyclists to a larger regional trail system, including the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail and nearby Rowan and Davidson counties.

The park is now a destination for residents and tourists to learn about the county’s rich history. New educational displays highlight the Native American Trading Ford as well as historic sites from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.