2021.04.27 PGAC Meeting

Parks, Greenway & Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – April 27, 2021

The Parks, Greenway & Advisory Committee (PGAC) held a productive meeting on April 27th, focusing on establishing the committee's foundation and discussing ongoing park and greenway projects. The atmosphere was positive, with members expressing enthusiasm for the committee’s potential to positively impact Asheville's parks and recreational spaces. The meeting included updates on several projects, discussions about internal procedures, and valuable input from the community.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to finalizing bylaws for the PGAC, which were ultimately approved with proposed amendments. These bylaws will clearly define committee roles and responsibilities, establish procedures for meetings, and outline a mechanism to ensure active participation from all members – potentially using a 75% attendance threshold. The committee also formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting, ensuring accurate record-keeping and transparency. In leadership roles, Walt was appointed as Chair and Lucy as Vice-Chair, providing direction for the committee's work moving forward.

Beyond internal matters, the PGAC received updates on several key projects. Eric provided detailed information on the Greenway/Blueway project, including lease agreements with Craggy Mountain Line and progress at Silverline Park (train platform construction and playground material selection). Discussions around the Riverside Park expansion centered on incorporating feedback received from a recent public forum, with particular emphasis on reaching out to the Hispanic community in Woodfin. The committee acknowledged concerns about effectively communicating with this population and discussed exploring options like Spanish translation for surveys and outreach materials, potentially partnering with organizations serving the Hispanic community. The town’s recent application for $600,000 in grants was also highlighted.

Community input played a vital role in the meeting. Several attendees shared positive feedback on the recent public forum, and concerns were raised regarding outreach to the Hispanic community in Woodfin. A discussion on park programming and potential revenue generation, including partnerships and naming rights, also sparked community interest. The committee demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability by ensuring open meetings and accessible records, aiming to actively engage with all residents.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Eric will circulate revised bylaws for review and connect with Rose (RiverLink) and Kim Williams (Equinox) to explore outreach strategies for the Riverside Park project. Efforts will continue to translate survey materials and outreach information into Spanish, ensuring broader accessibility. A Doodle poll will be used to determine the most convenient day and time for future meetings, reflecting a commitment to member availability. Finally, two subcommittees – Communications & Marketing (led by Chris, Coral, and Ann) and Project Management (chaired by Walt with Lucy, Gerald, Brian, and Walt participating) – will begin their work, focusing on improving communication strategies and managing ongoing projects. Residents can expect updates on the status of grant applications as well.

This meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the PGAC to building a vibrant and inclusive parks system for Asheville. The decisions made regarding bylaws, leadership appointments, and project updates will lay the groundwork for future initiatives, while the focus on community engagement ensures that resident voices are heard and incorporated into planning decisions.