Gastonia will soon begin construction on a greenway extension that will begin near Robinwood Road, head east near the National Guard Armory, circle around the Robinson Oaks building and end at Post Court.
Construction on the greenway extension is expected to begin in late fall and take about a year to complete, said Gastonia civil engineer Makenna Sturgis.
The greenway will be just under a mile long and follow the Catawba Creek, said city engineer Tucker Johnson.
“It follows the creek on the north side, then crosses it on the bridge and runs to the south side of the creek … and ends there,” Johnson said.
Construction of the greenway will be similar to building a small road, Johnson said. There will be ten feet of asphalt, a gravel strip on both sides, retaining walls and even a pedestrian bridge.
The city’s goal is to eventually create a trail network connecting the Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont.
“We have an extensive green space network. Often parts of it are built when developments are completed,” Johnson said. “Often the developers cover part of the costs.”
During construction on the Greenway, access to the trail on Robinwood Road will be closed.
Gastonia is also in the process of building the Highland Branch Greenway, which will connect Rankin Lake Park to the Highland Rail Trail, starting at the park and ending near Bulb Avenue. Construction began in fall 2024, with a goal of completing construction by spring 2025.
