2021.03.31 PGAC Meeting

Woodfin's Parks & Greenways: A Look at the Future – Recap of March 31st PGAC Meeting

On March 31, 2021, Woodfin convened its Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee (PGAC) for an initial meeting focused on shaping the future of outdoor recreation in our community. This partially formed committee, comprised of residents, professionals from Buncombe County Recreation Services and Asheville Greenway Planning, as well as representatives from consulting firm Equinox, gathered to discuss ongoing projects, funding challenges, and the importance of community involvement. The meeting provided a valuable glimpse into the ambitious plans underway to enhance Woodfin's parks and greenway system.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around three key projects: Silver Line Park, Riverside Park & Whitewater Wave, and the Greenway & Blueway network. Construction is currently underway at Silver Line Park, with foundational work complete and a train platform planned. Residents can anticipate seeing initial features of the park open in phases throughout the summer. The Riverside Park & Whitewater Wave project, being designed by Equinox, promises a new park area and grand pavilion. However, the town faces a funding gap of approximately $2.14 million for this project and is actively pursuing grants to bridge that difference. Finally, the Greenway & Blueway project, a regional effort led by Buncombe County, aims to connect various parts of Woodfin through a network of greenways. Coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is ongoing to address potential impacts from upcoming bridge construction.

Throughout the meeting, a recurring theme was the need for robust community input to ensure these projects truly reflect Woodfin's desires. The committee strongly emphasized the importance of gathering feedback, particularly for the Riverside Park and Whitewater Wave design. Discussions also highlighted concerns about adequate parking at Riverside Park, with a preference expressed for minimizing paved areas to preserve the natural character of the space. A key debate revolved around securing funding, with committee members exploring grant applications and potential partnerships to address the overall $3.6 million shortfall across all projects, despite having a $4.5 million bond already secured.

Key Outcomes & Next Steps: The meeting concluded with several clear action items for the town and the PGAC. Firstly, grant applications will continue to be a priority in addressing the funding gap. Secondly, significant effort will be dedicated to gathering community input through various engagement strategies. Thirdly, ongoing coordination with NCDOT is essential to minimize disruption during Greenway construction. Finally, the town will continue its efforts to finalize the PGAC by appointing additional members.

This meeting underscored Woodfin's commitment to creating vibrant and accessible outdoor spaces for all residents. The collaborative approach, involving both professional expertise and community voices, promises a thoughtful and impactful development of our parks and greenways. Residents can expect further updates as the PGAC continues its work, shaping Woodfin’s recreational landscape for years to come.