City of Hickory Treasured Trees

Landscape Services Department, PO Box 398, 1441 9th Ave NE, Hickory, North Carolina 28603
phone: 828-323-7500        email: TTeague@ci.hickory.nc.us

125 3rd Street NE (Hwy 127 N), Hickory, NC

Today, you would not know that the beautiful Carolina Park and the Ivey Arboretum within it have experienced a long and varied public history. Set along the outskirts of downtown Hickory, the three-acre arboretum includes more than 400 species of labeled trees and shrubs providing a wonderful lesson in botany for young and old alike.

Records indicate that citizens and visitors to Hickory began gathering at the wooded area during the late nineteenth century. Originally drawn by the coolness of the shade and a mineral spring that flowed near the base of a large maple tree, folks began gathering to "partake of the waters" in the 1870s. Later, a pavilion was built around the water and travelers came to Hickory to drink from the spring. The pavilion soon became a meeting place for gatherings and socializing.

However, as popular as it was, the "partaking of waters" suddenly halted when an analysis of the water indicated that it contained lead, sulfur and arsenic. Then when Hickory Ice and Coal built across the railroad tracks from the woods and drilled a well, the spring dried up. Eventually, the area fell into neglect.

In 1889, the City of Hickory purchased the approximately nine acres from the John W. Robinson estate for $600.00 and named it Carolina Park.  In1909 the local Women’s Civic League received permission from the city to do what it could to transform Carolina Park from a "dense, swampy, primeval forest – the hiding place for snakes, tramps and perhaps worst, in the very heart of town – into a place of rest, a place of safety where old and young could gather and not feel afraid." The Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs removed some of the decayed trees and began to clean the park.

During the next several years the Woman’s Club, American Legion and other clubs donated time and money to the park. Hedges were planted, fences erected to keep cars from parking on the grass and the swampy area where the spring once flowed was cleaned up. A wading pool for children and a Legion swimming pool were constructed in 1921. And, because the federal government was looking for park projects to put folks back to work, sidewalks, bridges and benches were constructed by the WPA. A skating rink was constructed and grass and plants added to enhance the beauty.

In 1934, George Ivey, a local businessman, proposed creating an arboretum in Carolina Park. He began planting various types of trees from all over the world. From 1936 to 1950, more than 240 varieties of trees were planted in the park. The American Legion pool was eventually closed and filled during the 1950s and grass and shrubs were planted in its place.

During 1990-91, with the City of Hickory overseeing maintenance of the park, the city's first Community Appearance Commission developed a campaign to "Releaf the Park." Funds were raised and, along with monies from Keep America Beautiful, the Marion Covington Foundation and the City of Hickory, the project moved forward. Some of the larger unhealthy trees were removed and restoration of the Ivey Arboretum was undertaken with the guidance of landscape architects Hayter, Reynolds and Jewell of Raleigh.

Today the City of Hickory Landscape Services Department maintains the park, monitors the health of the arboretum's trees and replaces specimens that are lost to disease and other problems.