The Town of Tryon marked the 25th anniversary of Rogers Park with a lively concert titled “Salsa at Sunset” on October 25, 2023. This event celebrated the park’s legacy as a cherished community space for art, music, and social gatherings. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the renowned Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band, whose energetic sound captivated the audience.
Iliana Rose, an accomplished touring artist and educator, expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m very excited to bring some fun, happy, energetic music to this beautiful park and to the beautiful people of the town.” The concert attracted a vibrant crowd, eager to enjoy live music alongside complimentary food, family games, and face painting activities, reinforcing the park’s role as a community gathering hub.
Community Spirit and Culinary Delights
The celebration boasted a festive atmosphere, with local eateries including Guerrero’s, Don Bigote’s, Trade Street Diner, Chef Sharone, The Nest Catering, and Valhalla Cakes & Cafe contributing food in line with the Salsa theme. Attendees experienced a rich blend of flavors while engaging in various family-oriented activities.
During the event, Rachel Vining read a poignant history of Rogers Park, penned by her father, John Vining, who served on the Rogers Park Board. The park’s inception dates back to 1998 when residents from the Lockhart Road area envisioned transforming a vacant lot behind Tryon Town Hall into a public space. The landowner, David Haynes, and his wife, Rebecca, generously donated the two-acre parcel to the town, setting the stage for the park’s development.
A Vision Realized
The original planning committee, which included Vining, Dennis Durham, Tom Foster, and others, met regularly to envision an outdoor amphitheater nestled within the park’s bowl-shaped ravine. Although they initially proposed to name it Haynes Park, Haynes opted to honor his grandmother and named it Rogers Park instead. Despite facing financial hurdles at the outset, the group organized monthly cleanups and engaged local volunteers to prepare the site.
Landscape architect Ed Lastein designed the 200-seat amphitheater, which became the park’s centerpiece. A significant turning point occurred when an anonymous donor contributed $200,000, enabling construction to progress. By December 1999, the amphitheater was nearing completion and held its inaugural event, “The Christmas Story.” By April 2000, enhancements such as new lighting, paving, and landscaping helped Rogers Park evolve into a beloved public venue.
Reflecting on the park’s impact, Rose noted, “It’s incredible to see spaces like Rogers Park thrive and bring people together.” The 25th-anniversary concert was not merely a celebration of a park but a testament to the enduring spirit of community that has shaped its legacy.
