Give the Gift of Hope & Recovery
This year’s Giving Tuesday hits close to home for the Kids in Parks program.
As Hurricane Helene barrelled through the southeast, it left a path of destruction in its wake, especially throughout western North Carolina. With the torrential rain and wind, those in the path of the storm lost power, internet, cell service, and eventually water, making it impossible to know the magnitude of devastation to the region. As cell service slowly came back, the Kids in Parks team realized just how severely this area was impacted.
In total, more than 125 TRACK Trail sites were in the path of the storm. The damage ranged from downed trees and eroded trails, to washed out roads and trailhead signs swept away by flash floods. As of November 1st, there were still 50 TRACK Trail sites closed to the public. Our goal this Giving Tuesday is to restore these TRACK Trails impacted by Hurricane Helene. We know the importance of outdoor access for families and hope to restore these beloved sites, including the:
TRACK Trails damaged by fallen trees
Photo Credit: App State Disc Golf Club
Photo Credit: Abby Cantrell, Content Specialist for the North Carolina Arboretum
TRACK Trails that were completely submerged
Photo Credit: Fletcher Parks and Recreation Facebook page
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
Description: Flooding throughout Catawba Meadows Park, including the NTDGC, in Morganton, NC.
Photo Credit: UneekTree
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
TRACK Trail signs swept away
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
Photo Credit: KIP Staff
TRACK Trails still inaccessible
Photo Credit: Mark Honeycutt
Photo Credit: Google Earth and NOAA - Hurricane Helene Imagery
Though some parks will require more extensive work, we want to ensure they'll have their replacement materials ready for when they’re able to reopen. Help us restore the damaged and missing TRACK Trail materials by donating to our initiative today. Give these local communities the opportunity to once again enjoy their favorite trails.
Donate
Your gifts provide Kids in Parks the ability to be a FREE resource for kids and families across the country. Make a one-time or recurring financial donation through the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation website by clicking below.