Programs and projects which restore, preserve and protect the many historical and cultural resources that are part of the Parkway.
Funds have been provided for a comprehensive study by the National Park Service, begun in 2001, which is examining all the natural and cultural resources of the Cone Estate and will layout a long-range plan for the estate.
A previous Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation grant allowed the resource management staff to work with AB Tech to develop a functional water fountain design that would return the iconic water fountains
Mabry Mill is one of the most visited sites along the Parkway, and the Foundation has committed $51,000 to repair its mill wheel.
For several years, the Foundation has provided support for the music programming at the Blue Ridge Music Center at MP 213. In 2013, the Foundation will take on a much larger role, funding, scheduling and running the concert series at the center.
The Blue Ridge Music Center's mission is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1985, the site includes an outdoor amphitheater and indoor interpretive center used to highlight an important strand of American musical culture, which is still alive and thriving in the region. You can find out more information about the Blue Ridge Music Center and the schedule of concerts at www.blueridgemusiccenter.com.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has received a Scenic Byways grant to produce an inventory and integrity assessment of the 223 historic structures, 99 bridges, and 26 tunnels on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In 2012, the Foundation provided funding to conduct a site survey and design specifications for a fire system upgrade of the Flat Top Manor house. The survey and design specifications were designed by an independent expert with expertise in fire protection specific to historic structures. The park recently conducted a Fire and Safety Survey for Museum Collections, and the report found that the current fire suppression system is not adequate for the historic structure. The design specifications and cost estimates will be used to submit a funding request in the future for a new fire system upgrade that will better protect the historic structure.
The copper-bowled, stone water fountains present at several of the parkway’s campgrounds and picnic areas have been identified as a contributing feature to the historic integrity of the parkway. Many of the fountains no longer function or have been removed due to difficulties in servicing the devices.The Appalachian State’s Industrial Design program within the Department of Technology will study the original design and build a working model, similar in scale and materials to the original fountains, that is also easily serviceable by the maintenance staff.
The National Park Service has asked for support to restore the Heart Pond at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park to its original condition.
Camp Catawba was an exceptional summer camp for boys that operated from 1944 to 1970 near Blowing Rock, N.C. Bounded by the Blue Ridge Parkway on one side and the Moses H.
Through annual contributions from the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, the Foundation provides funds for the maintenance of the popular carriage trails at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
Pages
