Dear Friends of Todd, May 2026
This past year, thanks to your support, as well as the hard work of the Community and TCPO Board Members we were able to re-open Cook Memorial Park. The park is in the best condition ever due to the upgrades and repairs made. These repairs and upgrades include: upgrading the park drainage, regrading the park, rebuilding and increasing the size of the stage, anchoring all structures, installing new sod and new plantings on the hill, installing an easy access ramp and new stairs to enter the park, a new storage shed, plus new cooking equipment and concert supplies.
Our next challenge will be redoing Todd Island Park. Plans are in the works to replace the footbridge and possibly expand the footprint to provide for more recreation. This will require a significant donation campaign. As of this date, we do not have a final cost estimate, but we will send out more information as soon as we have it. While the island itself remains closed, the parking lot is open and was recently regraded and graveled to allow for more parking and easier access to the river.
Additional highlights for the rest of the year include:
- Holding the 23rd Todd Summer Music Series from June 13th through August 29th. There will be a total of 5 concerts plus a 4th of July concert following our annual Todd Liberty Parade celebrating the 250th birthday of our country.
- We received a grant from the Ashe County Arts Council to hold costume-making workshops throughout the spring to increase our Todd Liberty Parade costume inventory by adding eagle and monarch costumes. The workshops are open to the community. There will also be new and newly repaired giant puppets at this year’s parade.
- Working with NC Fish and Wildlife for stocking the South Fork of the New River and providing a Port-a-John at Todd Island Park.
- Supporting the Community Dances, races and other events throughout the season.
- Working with the Hining Family to provide a river access on our property across from Fleetwood Falls.
- Continuing trash pickup along Todd Railroad Grade Road.
- Working with Keep Ashe Beautiful to include Todd in the Daffodil Trail.
The repairs mentioned were paid for through private donations from people like you. The final cost of the Cook Park repairs was just over $84,000. Our insurance did not cover the flood damage and our multiple claims have been denied by FEMA. Without your help we would not have our beautiful downtown park and community activities.
As we continue to work on restoring our community, we are grateful for your ongoing support. Donations can be sent to: TCPO, Box15, Todd, NC 28684 using the enclosed insert or through our website, toddnc.org. If you are interested in making a major donation through a retirement account or by other means, please contact me at 336-462-2169 or susanmcb1@gmail.com
Again, thank you so much for helping us bring back our special community for everyone to enjoy.
Susan McBurney
President, Todd Community Preservation Organization