In an era where open fields and soaring pine canopy routinely give way to suburban sprawl, York County delivered on a monumental promise to its citizens on Saturday. Yesterday, community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts gathered along the banks of the Catawba River for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of Catawba Bend Preserve — a sprawling 1,900-acre oasis that now stands as the county’s largest and most ambitious premier park.
Although the preserve welcomed visitors for a soft launch earlier this fall, Saturday’s grand celebration marked a major evolution for the public land, introducing a suite of world-class recreation facilities designed to draw visitors from across the region while safeguarding one of the county’s most ecologically diverse river bends.
A Legacy of Conservation
The story of Catawba Bend Preserve began in 2018, when York County made a visionary $21 million land acquisition to protect a massive, undeveloped tract of scenic forests, tranquil ponds, and rolling meadows. Rather than allowing the pristine waterfront property to be carved up by residential development, local officials committed to preserving the landscape for future generations.
Phase one of the project — representing a $6.3 million investment in vital park infrastructure — came to fruition on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting at 4134 Catawba Bend Parkway, followed by park dedications at 12:30 p.m.
“Catawba Bend Preserve is more than just protected acres; it’s a vital resource for our community,” said York County Parks & Recreation Director Katherine Jones. “We’re thrilled to honor the hard work, vision, and commitment to preserve green space with the grand opening celebration … This will be a place for future generations to enjoy and experience the beauty and harmony of nature.”
York County Council Chair Christi Cox emphasized the collaborative grit required to transform the raw landscape into a world-class public resource.
“This beautiful acreage could have been developed,” Cox noted. “Instead, it’s a vast, protected greenspace that is preserved for everyone to enjoy for years to come. So many pieces of a puzzle had to come together to buy land, establish its purpose, design a park, hire staff, and fund the amenities our citizens deserve.”
World-Class Trails and Championship Greens
Saturday’s celebration unveiled several long-awaited, high-profile amenities funded through a combination of state and federal grants alongside local York County Council funds:
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10 Miles of Mountain Biking Trails: Crafted by Nature Trails, LLC, the expansive singletrack network features a dedicated skills area and offers routes tailored for every skill level, from novice riders to expert thrill-seekers.
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Premier Disc Golf Facility: Designed and built by specialized contractor Ace Place, the preserve now boasts two distinct courses — an 18-hole championship layout designed to host top-tier competition and a accessible 9-hole course for beginners.
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Art and Athletics: Saturday’s festivities also highlighted a new art installation — the Catawba Bend Cross Country Arch — which served as the finish line for a inaugural cross-country meet held earlier in the morning in partnership with Visit York County.
These dynamic active-use facilities complement the preserve’s existing natural sanctuary. Visitors can wander through the quiet sanctuary of the Loblolly Pine Grove, relax by Big Pond, or explore quiet hiking trails. For nature lovers, the preserve remains an unmatched wildlife haven, routinely offering sightings of bald eagles soaring above the river, white-tailed deer grazing in meadows, and red-tailed hawks on the hunt.
A Vision for the Future
Guiding the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of the site is Park Superintendent Marvin Bouknight, who expressed deep enthusiasm for the park’s role as both a recreational hub and an educational resource.
“Catawba Bend Preserve is a special place and many York County residents have already experienced the natural beauty of this amazing park,” Bouknight said. “As we grow and provide more outdoor recreation opportunities, coupled with experiences that will highlight and interpret the natural and cultural resources of the site, York County isn’t just providing another beautiful park — it is providing an engaging outdoor experience for all county residents and visitors, both now and into the future.”
As the ribbon fell and mountain bikes set off down the fresh dirt trails on Saturday afternoon, the preserve shifted from a bold blueprint into a living, breathing retreat — ensuring that the bend in the Catawba River remains wild, welcoming, and free for all.
