In the fall of 2022, the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center announced a technical assistance program called Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE). Rockingham County was one of thirty-four local governments from across the state selected to participate in the program. The CORE program offers strategic planning and technical assistance to help rural communities leverage North Carolina’s abundant outdoor recreation assets to bolster local economic vitality.
Through the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program, Main Street & Rural Planning Center of the North Carolina Department of Commerce led a diverse stakeholder team in developing the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) Plan for Western Rockingham County (Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville) between November 2023 and October 2024, marking a significant step towards enhancing and formalizing the outdoor recreation economy in this region.
The Western Rockingham County CORE Strategic Plan has been developed with input from community stakeholders, experts, and local government representatives, outlining key priorities and implementation strategies to foster sustainable development and conservation efforts. In addition, the CORE Plan aims to leverage the natural assets of Western Rockingham County to stimulate economic growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and attract visitors and new businesses to the area. The plan includes specific priorities such as improving infrastructure for outdoor activities, promoting local businesses and attractions, enhancing marketing efforts, and fostering partnerships to support outdoor recreation initiatives.
CORE Vision Statement: Western Rockingham County comes together at the confluence of the Mayo and the Dan rivers where outdoor adventure, hospitality, and small-town charm flow abundantly through the hearts of Madison, Mayodan, and Stoneville. “You’re in a good place” that offers opportunities to grow through accessible recreational living and authentic connections to the community.
Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Design Studies: NC State’s CORE team is focused on advancing CORE planning initiatives through design and planning expertise. Our goal is to collaborate with CORE communities to develop a clear and inspired path forward while fostering a shared understanding of how to achieve CORE plan goals. This report is the culmination of the team’s efforts with Town and County leadership.
Stoneville – CORE Design Study Report
Mayodan – CORE Design Study Report
Madison – CORE Design Study Report
