Woodfin PGAC Meeting Video April 10, 2024

Woodfin PGAC Meeting Recap: April 10, 2024 – Community Gardens Bloom and Silver Line Project Progress

The Woodfin Parks, Greenways & Arts Council (PGAC) convened on April 10th for a productive meeting focused on key community projects and improvements. The meeting, attended by PGAC members and town staff, covered a range of topics impacting Woodfin’s parks, recreation, and community spaces. This recap highlights the key decisions made, discussions held, and what residents can expect moving forward.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the approval of a one-year agreement between the Town Council and the Woodfin Community Garden group for Geneva Maney Park. This marks a major step forward in establishing a vibrant community garden, which is expected to see planting begin in 2025. The town will prepare the site by removing existing playground equipment, grading and mulching the area, providing a water supply, and repairing fencing. The community garden group will be responsible for securing funding, managing garden users, and maintaining the space. Recognizing the importance of this project, $15,000 has been allocated in next year’s budget to support its development.

Much of the discussion centered around the Silver Line project, specifically the proposed restroom facility as part of the overall development. A 30% design was presented, showcasing pickleball courts and additional parking alongside the elevated restroom facility designed to accommodate its floodplain location. The estimated cost for just the building is $226,000, with a total project cost of $454,000. Recognizing the significant investment required, the Town Council has requested cost-saving alternatives, sparking a lively discussion among PGAC members. Ideas explored included exploring prefabricated restroom options (with base models costing around $65,000), considering a single-stall restroom instead of two, and investigating potential corporate sponsorship or utilizing local contractors to potentially lower construction costs. The PGAC agreed to further investigate these options and seek guidance from Buncombe County on past restroom projects. A crucial point raised was the need for a proactive communication plan to keep residents informed throughout the construction process, with plans underway to identify a spokesperson and coordinate messaging.

Beyond project-specific discussions, the PGAC addressed several other important matters. They agreed to continue holding monthly meetings, allowing for flexibility in case a full meeting isn't warranted. A proposal to develop a comprehensive communications plan for the Silver Line project was enthusiastically supported, with one PGAC member volunteering to lead this effort and potentially collaborating with Zoe from AmeriCorps. Finally, the council discussed potential funding opportunities through a passive recreation bond application and Golden Leaf grant to support various Silver Line project options.

What's Next for Woodfin Residents?

• Community Garden: Get ready to see progress at Geneva Maney Park as site preparation begins, paving the way for a flourishing community garden in 2025.
• Silver Line Project: The PGAC will continue exploring cost-effective restroom options for the Silver Line project, seeking input from Buncombe County and considering alternative solutions. Residents can expect updates as these discussions unfold.
• Communication Plan: A dedicated communication plan for the Silver Line project is in development, ensuring residents are well-informed about progress and any potential impacts.
• Funding Opportunities: The town is actively pursuing grant funding to support the Silver Line project and other recreational improvements.

The Woodfin PGAC's meeting demonstrated a commitment to enhancing community spaces and ensuring resident voices are heard. By actively engaging in these projects, the PGAC is working to create a vibrant and thriving Woodfin for all.