Rowdy the Raccoon crowned mascot of new county park

Vicki Hyatt, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

May 8—A third grader at Junaluska Elementary School won a school-wide contest to select a mascot name for a new 19-acre recreation park where the key feature is a mountain bike all-terrain park.

Haywood County's newest park will sport a bike "pump track" with swails, berms and jumps in the shape of large circular track. There will also be a greenway walking loop, a playground, restrooms, picnic facilities, plenty of parking for tournaments, a spot for food trucks and hiking trails.

Plans have been in the works two years, but the park didn't yet have a name and mascot. So a contest was held among students at Junaluska Elementary, located just a short distance from the park off the Old Asheville Highway in Waynesville.

The winner was Donovan Brisley, who came up with the mascot name "Rowdy the Raccoon."

"We were amazed by the level of enthusiasm and creativity shown by all the students who participated in the contest," Haywood County Recreation Director Ellie Flagg said. "Donovan's suggestion of 'Rowdy' perfectly embodies the energy and excitement that the Haywood County Bike Park represents. We are thrilled to adopt this name for our mascot."

At a county commissioner meeting Monday, Flagg unveiled the winning mascot along the park's new name — Raccoon Creek Bike Park.

Donovan Brisley's suggested mascot name "Rowdy the Raccoon" was a fitting name for a park bordered by Raccoon Creek. The selection committee concluded "captured the essence of the park's adventurous spirit," Flagg said.

Donovan will be part of the park's grand opening celebration, tentatively scheduled for Spring 2025.

County leaders congratulated Donovan and all the students who participated in the mascot naming contest.

"Together, they have contributed to the vibrant tapestry of community spirit that defines Haywood County," Flagg said.

Work on the park will begin this spring, and the county has started a sponsorship campaign to raise funds for the park's second phase. Thanks to the availability of federal Covid funds, the county landed a $500,000 state matching grant and $150,000 local tourism grant to start on phase one. The 19-acre county-owned parcel is adjacent to the long-closed Francis Farm landfill.

Contact the recreation department at 215 N. Main St, or call 828-452-6789.