Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee Regular Meeting

Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – November 13, 2024

The Woodfin Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee convened on November 13, 2024, for a meeting focused on both addressing the immediate aftermath of recent storm damage and exploring a broader role for the committee within the town. The meeting, attended by committee members and staff from the Parks Department and Planning Department, centered on discussions about expanding the committee's scope to include sustainability and resiliency initiatives.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to assessing the impact of recent severe weather events on local parks and greenways. Project Manager Adrienne provided detailed updates, highlighting particularly significant damage at Riverside Park (specifically Taylor’s Wave) and Silver Line Park. At Riverside Park, construction on the wave feature has been temporarily halted to allow engineers to evaluate changes in river conditions and potentially adjust the design. Repairs will prioritize stabilizing the riverbank, with a focus on securing FEMA emergency funding to support these efforts. Silver Line Park will require substantial rebuilding, incorporating lessons learned from the recent flooding event. Updates were also given on the Community Garden (waterline extension delayed) and the Bike Pedestrian Plan (upcoming stakeholder meeting with DOT). Finally, discussion centered on damaged railroad tracks near Silver Line Park; Norfolk Southern (or a related entity) is responsible for their restoration and has applied for grant funding, which the committee will monitor.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, a key discussion revolved around broadening the Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee’s responsibilities. The committee engaged in a thoughtful review of the sustainability goals outlined in Woodfin's Comprehensive Plan, specifically those related to interconnected green spaces, a clean watershed, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Following this review, the committee reached a preliminary agreement to explore expanding their scope to encompass these sustainability and resiliency initiatives. This expansion would involve close collaboration with the Planning Department (Ricky) and other relevant town staff (Shannon). A formal proposal outlining a specific initiative will be presented for consideration at the January meeting. The committee also tentatively agreed to adjust their meeting schedule, planning to meet every other month with December off.

There was no public forum held during the meeting as there were no attendees present. However, several committee members shared personal experiences related to the storm’s impact on local parks, providing valuable context and demonstrating a strong commitment to improving Woodfin's green spaces.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Committee members are encouraged to review the sustainability section of the Comprehensive Plan and brainstorm potential contributions. Staff from the Parks Department, Planning Department, and other relevant areas will collaborate to develop a specific initiative for the committee to focus on between now and January. The committee will reconvene in January to discuss this initiative further, potentially assigning it as a formal project. Finally, the committee will continue to monitor the status of Norfolk Southern’s grant application for railroad track restoration.

This meeting represents a potential turning point for the Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee, signaling a move towards a more proactive role in shaping Woodfin's future. By integrating sustainability and resiliency efforts into their work, the committee aims to contribute significantly to the town's overall well-being and ensure that Woodfin’s parks and greenways are not only beautiful spaces but also vital assets in a changing climate.