Press Release: Yadkin River Park receives $50,000 grant from Bobcat Company
LEXINGTON, N.C. (September 2, 2023) – Yadkin River Park in Davidson County, N.C., has received a $50,000 grant from Bobcat Company and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to create a pollinator garden and bog garden aimed at protecting the surrounding community from adverse effects like water pollution and flooding.
Bobcat, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has partnered with the NRPA to create vibrant and sustainable community park and recreation areas. Yadkin River Park is one of five parks across the United States to receive a $50,000 grant from Bobcat.
On Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., representatives from the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department, along with community members and volunteers from Bobcat and NRPA are joining together to help plant native vegetation in the park’s new pollinator garden.
Located near Lexington, N.C., the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department applied for the grant to enhance the newly created Yadkin River Park, where additional funding and projects are redeveloping what was once unused land into a destination for residents and visitors.
“Thanks to this grant, citizens of Davidson County and surrounding communities will have the ability to learn how native plants, grasses and ponds help remove pollutants from stormwater and improve water quality,” said Thomas Marshburn, director for the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department.
In addition to the $50,000 grant, Bobcat and its local dealership, R. S. Braswell Co. (which includes Bobcat of Charlotte, Bobcat of Monroe, Bobcat of Rock Hill, R.S. Braswell Co. in Kannapolis, N.C., and coming soon Bobcat of Lexington) will also provide support through volunteer aid and the use of Bobcat equipment to assist with material transfer on the project site.
“We are so excited to see the redevelopment of the land that is now Yadkin River Park. As an organization, Bobcat is focused on community support and giving back, and our dealership and employees are proud to partner with Davidson County to make our home an even better place to live and work,” said Randy Warrington, operations manager at local Bobcat dealer R. S. Braswell Co.
The grant project is being led by the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the master gardeners of Davidson County, Catawba College Department of
Environment and Sustainability, North Carolina state agencies, Town of Spencer and Friends of Rowan County.
The agencies will work together to plant, mulch and maintain the gardens and plants, and teach people how these plants help the environment. The pollinator garden and bog garden project is expected to be complete in early 2024. For more information on Yadkin River Park, please visit co.davidson.nc.us.
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Media Invite: Media are invited to attend this event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Yadkin River Park (1212 Wil-Cox Way, Linwood, NC 27299) for interviews and footage.
Interviews will be available with:
• Ayanna Williams, director of community and environmental resilience for NRPA • Caryn Odenbach, senior marketing specialist for Bobcat
• Randy Warrington, operations manager at local Bobcat dealer R. S. Braswell Co. • Thomas Marshburn, director for the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department
Media Resources: For renderings of the project plans being supported by this grant, please visit this Dropbox link.
About Bobcat Company
Since 1958, Bobcat Company has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation based on delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, Bobcat offers an extensive line of compact equipment, including loaders, excavators, compact tractors, utility products, telehandlers, mowers, attachments, implements, parts, and services. In 2024, Bobcat will expand its brand with the addition of portable power, industrial air and industrial vehicle offerings. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat continues to lead the industry with its new and innovative offerings.
The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat, Inc., a company within the Doosan Group. Committed to empowering people to accomplish more, Doosan Bobcat is dedicated to building stronger communities and a better tomorrow.
About R. S. Braswell Co. (Local Bobcat Dealer)
R. S. Braswell Co. was founded in 1950 and since that time has been supplying the entire southeast with quality construction equipment. In 1969, the company become the first dealer for Bobcat skid-steer loaders in the Carolinas. Through the years the company has continued to be a market leader in supplying Bobcat equipment throughout North and South Carolina. In 1991 the company opened a second store, Braswell Bobcat, to satisfy the growing demand for Bobcat equipment in the Charlotte area. This store has continued to be a huge success, allowing Bobcat to maintain its position as the number one skid-steer and compact excavator among customers in the Central Carolinas. In 1999, a third location was opened, Bobcat of Monroe. This facility gives customers in the Union County area a convenient source for all of our services. In 2003, Bobcat of Charlotte opened, and Bobcat of Rock Hill was opened in 2021 to serve the growing York county area. The team at R. S. Braswell Co., will break ground on a new store, Bobcat of Lexington, in late 2023 to further serve its customers in the region.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.
About Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department
The Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department strives to offer the citizens of Davidson County all types of different recreation activities, from leisure programs, special events, trails, playgrounds, etc. Our Staff works hard to keep our facilities clean and safe for all to use. The goals of the Parks and Recreation Department is to provide a diverse range of activities for all ages and both sexes, regardless, of race, creed, or color. The recreation programs are offered on a year around basis and represent a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The programs are not concerned with the quantity of recreation, but with the quality.
