Public input meetings scheduled for CREEC Project

The City of Hickory is currently designing the Catawba River Environmental Education Center (CREEC), a new destination that will showcase one of the region’s most treasured natural resources: the Catawba River and Lake Hickory. The center will offer opportunities for environmental learning, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, cultural exploration, and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.

Community members are invited to attend upcoming public input meetings to learn more about the project, share feedback, and help shape the future of the center. Meetings will be held:

• Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Hickory City Hall (76 North Center Street)
• Thursday, Aug. 13, at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE)

Both sessions will run from 4:30–6:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at the start of each meeting.

To support project development, the City is pursuing grant funding.

Residents who cannot attend the meetings or who have questions or comments may contact Management Analyst Kate Van Sickle at kvansickle@hickorync.gov or 828-323-7429 to learn more and provide input.