Mills River Town Park is currently under construction. 
Opening will be in phases through the Winter of 2011-2012.

In 2007, the Town purchased the property located on Hooper Lane with the intention of developing a public park for the local community. In 2008, a workshop was held to provide input into specific park facilities and citizens were able to prioritize what facilities they desired. At that point Town Council appointed a Parks Master Plan Development Committee, who working in conjunction with a Recreation Resource Service consultant at NC State University, produced a conceptual plan based on the public input from the workshop. In 2009, the public was invited once again to give input about the conceptual plan, and the proposed facilities.

A Master Plan has been developed that includes ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, multiuse trails, a dog park, shelters and support facilities. A wonderful natural feature of the proposed park is that Mills River runs along the northern boundary of the property. The Plan proposes fishing piers with handicapped access and a boat launch for non-motorized vessels along with picnic areas to enjoy the river. The Town anticipates building the park in Phases with Phase I including many of the facilities our citizens have expressed they desire through public involvement  such as a multi use trail, a playground, dog park, and a large picnic shelter. A parking area and restroom building are also included in the first phase.

In May of 2010, the Town was notified that it had been chosen to receive a grant from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for the Phase I project.  A non-profit organization, the Mills River Recreation Foundation, was formed to help raise funds for the park. A link to their website can be found under the “links” button above or by going toMills River Recreation Foundation logo

The citizens of Mills River have shown their desire for public recreation facilities and this project is the first step to a local facility for walking, playing and gathering together as a community.

Click on the Park site plan below to see a larger version in pdf format.

park site plan