2024.06.03 Woodfin Town Council Special Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Approves Riverside Park Expansion & Taylor’s Wave Project – Construction Set to Begin

On June 3, 2024, the Woodfin Town Council held a special meeting focused almost entirely on the long-awaited Riverside Park Expansion & Taylor’s Wave project, a significant investment in community recreation. The meeting provided updates on the project's progress, addressed key logistical hurdles, and ultimately paved the way for construction to begin this summer.

The primary discussion centered on finalizing details surrounding the $34 million project, which has been in development since 2015. Town Manager Shannon Duck presented a comprehensive overview, detailing the project's scope – including the centerpiece Taylor’s Wave surf simulator and improvements to existing Riverside Park amenities. A significant challenge arose during the permitting process, which took longer than initially anticipated (24 months versus an estimated 9), requiring a re-scoping of the project to remain within budget. Approximately $2-$3 million worth of work was removed, concentrating efforts on Taylor’s Wave and the surrounding park area. Baker Grading and Landscaping, a familiar name to Woodfin residents from their work on Silver Line Park, was selected as the contractor for a price of $8,790,564.59. Construction of the wave is slated to begin in June and continue through September, strategically timed during periods of historically low river flow.

The council took several key decisions to move the project forward. They unanimously approved a revised Tourism Development Authority (TDA) grant agreement, formally adding the Town of Woodfin as a grantee and establishing milestones for receiving grant funds. Following that, they authorized the Town Manager to finalize the construction contract with Baker Grading and Landscaping, contingent on Buncombe County’s approval of the revised TDA grant agreement. Recognizing the project's long history and initial champions, the council also unanimously agreed to designate former Mayor Jerry B. Hawn as the spokesperson for the groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for June 21st at 4 p.m.

Community input was provided by Mark Hunt, a long-time supporter of the project, who expressed his gratitude for the council's support and lauded the dedication of Woodfin town staff. He emphasized the project’s regional significance, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have made it possible to secure funding.

Looking ahead, several action items are underway. The Town of Woodfin is currently awaiting final approval from Buncombe County for the revised TDA grant agreement. Once that’s secured, the Town Manager will finalize the construction contract with Baker Grading and Landscaping. A small team is also diligently planning a groundbreaking ceremony, details of which will be announced soon. Finally, the town will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities – specifically targeting Golden Leaf and Buncombe County Passive Recreation grants – to fund further improvements to the existing Riverside Park.

The approval of these key agreements marks a pivotal moment for Woodfin, bringing the long-anticipated Riverside Park Expansion & Taylor’s Wave project closer to reality. This investment promises a significant boost to recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, establishing Woodfin as a regional destination.