2024.06.03 Woodfin Town Council Special Meeting

The Woodfin Town Council convened for a special meeting on June 3, 2024, to address the Riverside Park Expansion and Taylor’s Wave project. The primary focus of the session was providing an update on the project’s status, finalizing funding agreements, and authorizing the construction contract. Town Manager Shannon Duck presented a comprehensive overview of the initiative, which has been in development since 2015. The discussion covered the project’s scope, financials, permitting history, and upcoming construction timeline.

During the presentation, Town Manager Duck detailed that $31.1 million has been secured for the project, including an $8.14 million investment from the Tourism Product Development Fund. She explained that initial bids exceeded the budget, necessitating a re-scoping that removed approximately $2–$3 million in work to focus on Taylor’s Wave and surrounding park amenities. Duck noted that permitting delays extended the process to 24 months, but construction of the wave is scheduled to take 16 weeks from June through September, coinciding with historically low river flows. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort and acknowledged the community partnerships involved.

The Council took several key actions during the meeting. The agenda was approved unanimously. The Council then approved a revised Tourism Development Authority (TDA) grant agreement, which adds the Town of Woodfin as a grantee and establishes construction milestones for disbursements. Following this approval, the Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into a construction contract with Baker Grading and Landscaping for $8,790,564.59, pending final approval of the revised TDA grant agreement by Buncombe County. Additionally, the Council unanimously designated former Mayor Jerry B. Hawn as the spokesperson for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for June 21 at 4 p.m., recognizing his early leadership in the project.

Community input was provided by Mark Hunt, a long-time supporter of the project. Hunt addressed the Council to express gratitude for their support and acknowledge the dedication of town staff, specifically naming Town Manager Shannon Duck, Adrian Miller, Eric Hardy, and Sherry. He emphasized the regional importance of the project and described the efforts to secure funding as heroic. Council Member Kahn supported the designation of former Mayor Hawn as spokesperson, highlighting the importance of recognizing those who championed the project early on.

Following the meeting, specific next steps were identified. The Town of Woodfin is awaiting approval from Buncombe County for the revised TDA grant agreement. Once received, the Town Manager will finalize the construction contract with Baker Grading and Landscaping, pending review of contractual terms by the town attorney. A small team is currently planning the groundbreaking ceremony, with details to be announced later. The town also stated it will continue pursuing additional grant opportunities, such as Golden Leaf and Buncombe County Passive Recreation grants, to fund remaining improvements to existing Riverside Park.