Environment & Safety Committee – February 27, 2024

Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recap – February 27, 2024

The Environment & Safety Committee convened virtually on February 27, 2024, with Chair Maggie Olman presiding. The meeting included a full complement of committee members (Vice Mayor Gilgore, Councilwoman Smith, and Chair Olman), key city staff from departments like Parks & Recreation, Planning/Urban Design, Sustainability, and Law, as well as representatives from the consulting firm Design Workshop. The primary focus of this meeting was an update on the "Recreate Asheville" Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan and a discussion surrounding the upcoming Urban Forestry Master Plan.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on Phase One of "Recreate Asheville," a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing and improving the city's parks system. Design Workshop, working in partnership with Parks & Recreation, presented findings from extensive community engagement efforts including surveys, open houses, neighborhood meetings, and pop-up events. The presentation highlighted a concerning assessment: over one-third of Asheville’s parks are identified as needing significant investment to remain viable, with 18 considered “tipping point” parks requiring immediate attention. A key takeaway from the community input was a strong desire for diverse recreational opportunities and equitable access to parks and recreation facilities across all neighborhoods. While the committee acknowledged the value of community survey data, Councilwoman Smith emphasized that it should be considered alongside other datasets to provide a complete picture.

Following the "Recreate Asheville" update, Keith Aiken provided an overview of the upcoming Urban Forestry Master Plan. He announced that a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select consultants will be released within the next week and a half, noting the significant involvement of the Urban Forestry Commission in developing the plan’s scope. This master plan will guide efforts to protect and enhance Asheville's urban forest, a vital resource for the city’s environment and quality of life.

The committee approved the minutes from their previous meeting on January 23rd with a unanimous vote, signifying agreement on previously discussed matters. There was no formal public comment period at the beginning of the meeting, but community input formed a crucial element of the "Recreate Asheville" presentation. Councilwoman Smith raised important questions about demographic breakdowns within survey responses, aiming to ensure that the plan addresses the specific recreational needs of different communities. This discussion underscored a commitment to equitable access and ensuring that all residents benefit from improved parks and recreation opportunities.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Keith Aiken will oversee the release of the Urban Forestry Master Plan RFP, paving the way for a comprehensive assessment and strategic plan for Asheville’s urban forest. Design Workshop will continue analyzing data from Phase One of "Recreate Asheville," with a particular focus on demographic breakdowns and equitable access considerations. The committee emphasized the importance of incorporating an equity lens into future recommendations, ensuring that diverse neighborhood needs are addressed. Finally, the committee discussed applying a neighborhood-centered approach to recommendations and strategies that will be developed this spring.

This meeting represents an important step in shaping the future of Asheville’s parks and recreation system, as well as its urban forest. Residents can expect to see further updates on both the "Recreate Asheville" plan and the Urban Forestry Master Plan in the coming months, with opportunities for continued community engagement as these initiatives progress. The committee's focus on equity and neighborhood-centered approaches signals a commitment to creating vibrant, accessible, and inclusive green spaces for all Asheville residents.