When municipalities and counties join Centralina as a member, they are given a variety of opportunities to shape regional and local action, which in turn helps to shape and support our organization’s work. We are proud to work alongside more than 60+ member governments and value the unique perspectives they provide. This month, we’re highlighting the Town of Norwood, one of our newest member governments.
Norwood is located in the southeastern corner of Stanly County, situated between Lake Tillery and the fork of the Pee Dee and Rocky Rivers. The town was officially incorporated in 1881 and has grown to become home to nearly 2,400 residents. You’ll find plenty of small-town charm as you explore the businesses, tourist attractions, restaurants and more that make this community unique and special to the residents that call Norwood home. Quality of life is a key focus area for the Norwood Town Council, which continuously supports initiatives to maintain and enhance the community through enhanced walkability initiatives, connectivity to surrounding lake areas, bike and greenway development and downtown redevelopment and revitalization. Residents can even get involved in improving the town through its “Adopt-A-Flower-Pot” program, which allows citizens to provide a helping hand in keeping Norwood beautiful by tending to flower pots on Main Street. You can also adopt a street or even a fire hydrant in the town!
This small town offers a little bit of everything to suit everyone’s unique lifestyle, with local stores in their urban Main Street area, to more rural escapes at Juneberry Ridge. Families and bookworms can venture to the Norwood Library to check out recent releases or attend special programs like Craft and Story Time for kids and the Needle Craft Club for adults. If you have time, step into the town museum right next door to learn more about the history and achievements of the community through the years. Residents often flock to downtown on Saturdays for the weekly farmer’s market or for yearly celebrations of Arbor Day, Picnic in the Park and the annual Christmas Parade.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love being surrounded by the Lake Tillery shoreline which allows the opportunity for fishing, watersports and spots for rest and relaxation. Memorial Park and Darrell Almond Community Park offer options for residents to take a nice walk or jog, play horseshoe or shuffleboard or to enjoy a meal and the surrounding scenery at the gazebo or picnic shelters. The proximity to the mountains allows residents access to local hiking and camping spots, and sports lovers can easily hop on the highway for a short hour’s drive to see professional basketball matches, football games and NASCAR races.
Town Administrator Scott Howard is a proud “Norwoodian” resident and has enjoyed watching the community grow and prosper over the years.
“When I started as Town Administrator for Norwood nearly four years ago, a coffee shop had recently opened and was the sole beacon of hope for new downtown business growth. There were no eager investors knocking on my door. Norwood Town Council gave me the freedom to invest in downtown and Norwood’s Central Business District partnered with us. We worked together to build trust and integrity in local government, and we now have several investors and developers expressing their interest in our downtown. The secret is out! Norwood is being discovered! Charlotte is an easy commute. Lake Tillery is a beautiful recreation area. Norwood offers 118 miles of shoreline (more than any other municipality), good schools and crazy-low taxes. Watch out for Norwood; it’s about to blossom as the new “it” place.”
Visit our website to learn more about what it means to be a Centralina member, our membership benefits and how to contact our member liaisons for information or requests.
Information source credit: www.norwoodgov.com
