June 17. Catawba County is hosting activities for the official opening of Mountain Creek Park, the newest destination the Catawba County Park System, on Saturday, June 18.

Mountain Creek Park was designed with mountain biking in mind. The park’s 18.7-mile trail system includes multi-use trails for hiking and biking, along with several bike-only sections, a mountain bike skills course and bike tool stations. The trails, which range from easy to challenging, were designed to enable riders to explore multiple route variations throughout the park. The trails were built by a North Carolina-based mountain bike trail builder, Elevated Trail Design, to ensure they would offer a great riding experience for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Mountain Creek Park also provides other amenities that are new to the southeastern part of Catawba County, including an adventure playground, pickle ball courts and a dog park.

The event is free and open to the public. Dog park passes are required for each dog using the dog park with proof of vaccinations and a $20 fee per dog. Passes will be available at the park office on opening day. Dog park applications and information can be accessed online at www.catawbacountync.gov on the County Services/Parks page. Picnic shelter reservations will not be available for grand opening day.

Located on 606 acres of preserved natural habitat at the northwestern tip of Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford, Mountain Creek Park also has an outdoor classroom and picnic shelters.

Gates open at 8 am. and close at 8 pm.

Scheduled grand opening activities:

• 8 am. Bird Walk with Ranger Dwayne Martin
• 9 am. Pollinator Garden Tour with Ranger Tiffany Huffman
• 9:50 am. Flag Ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 372
• 10 am. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• 11 am. Pump Track Demonstration
• Noon. Guided Hike with Ranger Matthew Rodriguez
• 1 pm. Bike Tool Station Demo
• 1 pm. Guided Hike in Spanish with Ranger Taina Milan
• 2-4 pm. Kids Corner Games + Crafts
• 4 pm. Foraging Hike with Ranger Tommy Morrell
• 5 pm. Guided Hike with Ranger Melody Key
• 6 pm. Tree ID Hike with Ranger Lori Owenby

Other activities available on opening day:

• Food Trucks
• Scavenger Hunt with Prizes
• Park Expo
• Selfie Station
• Bouncy House
• Face Painting + Balloons

Mountain Creek Park is operated by Catawba County as part of the Catawba County Park System, which includes Bakers Mountain Park in Hickory, Riverbend Park in Conover, and St. Stephens Park in Hickory. Learn more at www.catawbacountyparks.org.