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The next phase of the McDowell Creek Greenway will soon be under construction.
The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and the town of Cornelius partnered with the N.C. Department of Transportation to design and construct part of this greenway. The greenway work, which is part of a program designed to help local governments improve or build transportation-related facilities, is administered by North Carolina's DOT Enhancement Unit. That unit provides money to improve the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of a state transportation system, such as constructing bike trails and sidewalks.
"The enhancement program has helped communities across the state improve their transportation infrastructure while improving the beauty of the area and the lives of their citizens," said project manager Marta Matthews. "The funding can be used to build greenways, restore historic buildings, and create transportation museums, among other uses."
Potential projects are identified through a statewide call for proposals, and the DOT supervises the work through the planning and construction phases. Local governments must provide 20 percent of the funding and agree to maintain the completed project.
Cornelius and Mecklenburg County applied for and received a $169,000 grant to start construction on the greenway, which will begin at Westmoreland Road and extend south along McDowell Creek.
Mecklenburg County also agreed to construct the remaining portion of the 1.5-mile greenway, extending it to Sam Furr Road in Huntersville. When completed, the McDowell Creek Greenway will connect Birkdale Village in Huntersville, the future sites of Robbins Park and Westmoreland Athletic Complex, and several residential neighborhoods.
The groundbreaking celebration, with an official ribbon cutting, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, behind the Birkdale Village Regal Cinema. Representatives from Cornelius, Huntersville, and Mecklenburg County will be there.
Help raise funds
Aquesta Bank is hosting a 5K Walk/Fun Run for Dennis Coogle, owner of PostNet in Jetton Village.
A year ago, Coogle was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
The fundraiser, "Help Dennis Walk," will raise money for ALS research.
The race will be Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aquesta Bank, going through Jetton Park and ending at Jetton Village. Entry fee is $20; $10 for children under 12 years old.
Coogle wrote: "ALS can strike anyone ... This disease slowly takes away the ability to move, speak, swallow and, ultimately, breathe ... I am reaching out to our community to help me raise awareness and funds to fight ALS."
Aquesta Bank also will host a pre-event gala and fundraiser on Thursday to raise money for Coogle's medical expenses. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at Aquesta Bank.
For more information, go to www.helpdenniswalk.com.
Veterans
Two weeks ago, the primary subject of my column was a Veterans Memorial to be constructed in Cornelius. It will include the names of all veterans, living or deceased, who have served in the U.S. armed forces, received an honorable discharge, and lived in Cornelius at some point in their lives.
Because of the overwhelming response, the organizers ask that the information be given again. One of the e-mail addresses listed in the previous column has changed.
Here is the contact address: gmckinney123@gmail.com or 704-724-7623 or deedoria@mi-connection.com or 704-502-2202.
