2023 12 13 PGAC Meeting Video

Woodfin Parks & Greenway Advisory Committee Meeting Recap: December 13, 2023

On December 13th, the Woodfin Parks and Greenway Advisory Committee (PGAC) convened to discuss ongoing projects, explore new initiatives, and gather community feedback on the future of Woodfin’s parks and greenways. The meeting provided a comprehensive update on several key areas impacting residents, from volunteer efforts to transportation options and park improvements.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to welcoming Zoe, Woodfin’s new AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator. The committee engaged in a productive discussion about her role, brainstorming potential areas of focus including managing volunteers, creating opportunities for community involvement (potentially a "Parks Ambassador" program), and assisting with stormwater initiatives and the community garden. Committee members will continue to provide input on Zoe’s responsibilities as she settles into her position, ensuring alignment with community needs. The committee also acknowledged the valuable partnership with French Broad River Academy, praising their recent volunteer efforts at Silverland Park.

Several key discussions centered around ongoing projects and future development. The Wave project, a significant draw for visitors, was reviewed with an eye towards event management and user policies. The timeline for the Riverside Park project was extended to January 4th, allowing potential bidders more time to address questions and submit proposals. A crucial discussion focused on improving connectivity within Woodfin, a key element of the town's comprehensive plan. Concerns were raised about pedestrian access across Elk Mountain Road and connecting West Whitman to the town center – issues that will require ongoing attention as Woodfin continues to grow. Finally, Equinox presented four restroom options for Silverland Park, prompting a discussion on cost and maintenance considerations.

Community voices were heard during the meeting through public comments. Adrian shared concerns about river pollution following recent rainfall, highlighting an ongoing environmental concern for residents. Several committee members and a resident echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to address pedestrian access challenges and improve bus route accessibility. The limited reach of existing bus routes, particularly impacting those seeking to access the Wave project, was a recurring theme.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting: Committee members will continue to collaborate with Zoe on developing a stormwater plan. Bids for the Wave project are expected by January 4th, marking a significant step forward in that development. The town will continue working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding plans for the Elk Mountain Road bridge replacement and greenway planning. Other important next steps include a meeting with MSD to discuss options for the greenway crossing over Beaver Dam Creek, ongoing review and refinement of the comprehensive plan (with a focus on connectivity), exploration of microtransit options to address bus route limitations, and investigating grant opportunities for the bike/pedestrian plan. Finally, a decision on restroom options for Silverland Park will be made in the coming weeks.

The PGAC meeting underscored a commitment to community engagement and collaboration as Woodfin shapes its parks, greenways, and transportation infrastructure. The discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships with organizations like French Broad River Academy and AmeriCorps, as well as a long-term vision for adapting to growth and ensuring equitable access to recreational opportunities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and participate in future PGAC meetings as Woodfin continues to evolve.