Event Recap
Townham Woodfin Parks & Greenway Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – April 12, 2023
The Townham Woodfin Parks & Greenway Advisory Committee (PGAC) convened on April 12, 2023, with a full agenda focused on ongoing park projects, budget considerations, and future planning. The meeting included updates from various subcommittees and addressed concerns raised by the community regarding ongoing park developments. Attendance was comprised of PGAC members, town staff, and interested residents.
A significant portion of the meeting centered around Silver Line Park. Following demolition of an existing building, the committee is currently assessing the concrete slab to determine its suitability for pickleball courts and restrooms. A key discussion point was whether to reuse the existing slab, which would save approximately $15,000 compared to removal. The committee expressed a strong preference for reuse, citing both cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. Future plans are leaning towards incorporating restrooms and pickleball courts into the park’s design, aligning with recent public survey feedback. The committee anticipates initiating a professional design contract in next year's budget, estimated at around $200,000.
Beyond Silver Line Park, the committee received updates on several other projects. Demolition is underway at the Waste Pro site in Riverside Park, with successful sales of equipment already generating revenue. Tree removal is progressing at Riverside Park to facilitate park expansion, though this has prompted some community concern after a Facebook post detailed the work and explained the need to adhere to bat moratoriums (April 15th-October 14th) due to the potential presence of endangered bat species. The committee is working to educate residents about this necessary precaution. Regarding the Riverside Park and Taylor's Wave project, a significant $1.2 million cost overage due to increased material costs and design amendments was discussed, prompting a search for grant funding and potential use of town funds as a backup solution. The Greenway project is experiencing a delay, with the Department of Transportation proposing to split the Highway 251 and Beaverdam Creek sections into two separate projects.
The meeting also addressed several operational matters. The Event Management Task Force is undergoing restructuring, with Mark Hunt taking over leadership from Eric Hardy, aiming to finalize the task force by June. The committee acknowledged a need for volunteer maintenance of town-owned Little Free Libraries and will explore options to address this. Finally, the PGAC faces upcoming vacancies on the advisory board, including the chair position, and will be seeking recommendations from Buncombe County Parks & Recreation.
What's Next for Residents?
Several key action items will impact the community in the coming weeks and months:
- Silver Line Park: A pavement company will assess the existing concrete slab, and residents can expect further updates on plans for pickleball courts and restrooms.
- Riverside Park & Taylor's Wave: The committee will actively pursue grant opportunities and explore options to address the budget overage, ensuring this important project can move forward.
- Community Involvement: Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 5K and consider volunteering for park maintenance activities, including potential support for Little Free Libraries.
- Advisory Board: Residents interested in serving on the PGAC are encouraged to reach out to Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for information about the open positions.
The PGAC’s discussions highlighted a commitment to responsible park management, community engagement, and securing funding for vital improvements across Townham Woodfin’s parks and greenways. The next PGAC meeting will be scheduled soon, with details to be posted on the town website and social media channels.