Catawba County News
Catawba County Parks Master Plan
Published: October 15, 2026
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026–2036 Catawba County Parks Master Plan on September 21, 2026, establishing a 10-year roadmap to guide the future of Catawba County Parks.
The plan provides a framework for preserving the County’s unique and diverse natural heritage, providing quality park experiences, guiding future investment, and responding to the needs of a growing community. It is the first comprehensive update to the Parks Master Plan since 2015.
Developed with planning consultant McAdams, the plan draws on community input, data, and an assessment of the County’s four parks, 1,494 acres of parkland, 44.64 miles of trails, amenities, operations, and services. Residents, park users, County staff and leadership, conservation organizations, and regional partners contributed feedback and perspectives throughout the planning process.
Five priorities emerged to help guide the next decade:
- Trail expansion and greenway connectivity
- Nature-based recreation
- Outdoor and environmental education
- Accessibility and inclusive recreation
- Land conservation and stewardship
The plan outlines recommendations and action items across short-term, near-term, and long-term time frames. It also identifies potential partners and funding sources to help inform future decisions and implementation.
Adoption of the Master Plan establishes a shared framework for evaluating opportunities and setting priorities. Individual recommendations will move forward as funding, partnerships, and other resources become available.
Catawba County Parks thanks everyone who contributed their time, knowledge, and ideas to the planning process. Community input helped shape a roadmap intended to support the continued stewardship of the County’s natural resources and the quality of its parks for years to come.
The full 2026–2036 Catawba County Parks Master Plan is available online.