Outdoors Latest

Third-grader names new bike park mascot

Donovan, a spirited third-grade student from Junaluska Elementary School, has been crowned the champion for his imaginative suggestion, ‘Rowdy’ the Raccoon. Donated photo Donovan, a spirited third-grade student from Junaluska Elementary School, has been crowned the champion for his imaginative suggestion, ‘Rowdy’ the Raccoon. Donated photo

Donovan, a spirited third-grade student from Junaluska Elementary School, is the winner of the mascot naming contest for the upcoming Haywood County Bike Park. 

Donovan’s winning name is “Rowdy the Raccoon.”

 The mascot naming contest, held in collaboration with Junaluska Elementary School, invited students to submit their ideas for the official name of the Haywood County Bike Park mascot. Donovan’s entry, “Rowdy,” captured the essence of the park’s adventurous spirit and resonated deeply with the selection committee.  

 “We were amazed by the level of enthusiasm and creativity shown by all the students who participated in the contest,” said Recreation Director Elli Flagg. “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.”  

Donovan will have the opportunity to join officials at the grand opening of the Haywood County Bike Park, tentatively scheduled for Spring 2025. The bike park is located near Junaluska Elementary School at the old Francis Farm landfill.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.