City of Hickory seeks public input for future Sandy Pines Park

The City of Hickory has been planning for the development of Sandy Pines Park and is now pursuing an opportunity to compete for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant to kickstart initial funding for the new neighborhood park.

Citizens are invited to attend upcoming public input meetings to receive a short presentation on proposed park plans, share their feedback, and express their needs. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building (76 North Center Street). The second meeting will be held Thursday, March 7, from 6-8 p.m. in the community room at Highland Recreation Center (1451 Eighth Street Drive NE).

The new Sandy Pines Park will be developed on a 13.42-acre tract of property in the northeast quadrant of Hickory. Following two community workshops, Alfred Benesch & Company completed a master plan in April 2018 to guide the development of the future Sandy Pines Park. The master plan proposes a variety of potential park amenities, including walking trails, nature playground, picnic shelters, outdoor fitness areas, permanent cornhole boards, half-court basketball, open space/natural areas, restrooms, and perimeter fencing.

Those unable to attend the public input meetings may contact Special Projects Manager for the City Manager Natalie Jackson at njackson@hickorync.gov or via phone at 828-851-6473 to learn more and give input on the project.