To create a community-led vision and 15-year roadmap to ensure strategic decision-making to grow the outdoor economy and encourage active living.

The Great State of Wilkes Outdoor Action Plan is being led by the Outdoor Economy Workgroup, which includes representatives from the Health Foundation, Towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, Wilkes Health Department, Yadkin River Greenway Council and the County of Wilkes. The group is focusing on the planning and development of outdoor recreation infrastructure projects such as trails, greenways, destination-quality parks, attractive downtowns, and the creation of multi-use public spaces suitable for major events and festivals. These projects contribute significantly to the quality of life for local residents, help grow small businesses, and attract visitors.

Identify the County’s existing outdoor recreation assets and evaluate their current condition and ability to provide for a quality experience.

Engage government and community leaders to identify public capital infrastructure projects currently being planned and developed that will enhance quality of life.

Identify new, compelling outdoor infrastructure projects to promote the outdoor economy.

When possible, identify projects that support a variety of community goals, including improving quality of life to retain young adults and attract a skilled workforce, inspiring new small business growth and investment, improving and protecting environmental quality, and encouraging active lifestyles to support public health.

Create a plan that generates interest and casts an inspiring vision by creating compelling renderings, site master plans, 3-D illustrations, and other graphics to effectively communicate recommendations.

Provide the Wilkes Outdoor Economy Workgroup and its partners with clear strategies and a prioritization schedule for implementing the 15-year action plan.