Passive Recreation Lands Subcommittee Meeting

Buncombe County Passive Recreation Lands Subcommittee Meeting Recap: October 16, 2025

On October 16, 2025, the Buncombe County Passive Recreation Lands Subcommittee met to finalize funding recommendations for several open space and recreational land projects, a process delayed from September 2024 due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The meeting, attended by subcommittee members and county staff including Strategic Partnerships Director Rachel Sawyer and Parks and Recreation Director Allison Daines, focused on re-evaluating previously submitted proposals to ensure their continued viability and alignment with current community needs.

The core of the meeting centered around reviewing updated project proposals, sparking robust discussions about several key initiatives. A notable point of debate arose regarding the Balsam Gardens land purchase, where a significant valuation discrepancy exists between the property owner and county assessments. While projects like Gateway Park (Riverside Drive) are proceeding smoothly, adjustments were necessary for the Haw Creek Park Greenway due to storm-related impacts. Discussions also involved Warren Wilson College’s river trail project, which is leveraging state funding and addressing storm damage. Perhaps the most significant debate revolved around the Town of Black Mountain’s Ridgecrest Connector project, ultimately facing challenges due to the town's inability to secure funding for engineering design. The subcommittee decided to defer funding for this project, potentially opening a future application window.

Following extensive discussion, the subcommittee made several key funding decisions. They unanimously approved $200,000 for Gateway Park, $67,584 for the Haw Creek Park Greenway, and a substantial $687,504 for Camp Greer’s Works Community Forest Trail Development. Recognizing that priorities and circumstances may have shifted since the initial application round, the subcommittee unanimously recommended to the Buncombe County Commissioners that they consider a second round of grant applications to utilize remaining bond funds. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring these vital resources are used effectively and responsive to evolving community needs.

While no formal public comments were received during the meeting, discussions clearly reflected consideration of community priorities and the importance of accessible recreational land, particularly in light of recent storm recovery efforts. Subcommittee Chair Kevin Connercote emphasized the importance of responsible spending and aligning projects with community priorities, while Rachel Sawyer provided valuable context on the county’s bond funding program and its commitment to transparency through online dashboards.

Looking ahead, County Staff will now prepare a presentation of these recommendations for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The presentation is tentatively scheduled for briefing on November 4th and a final decision on November 18th. Furthermore, county staff will communicate the outcomes of these funding decisions to all applicants. The Commissioners’ consideration of a second round of grant applications will be crucial in ensuring that remaining bond funds are strategically allocated to further enhance Buncombe County’s passive recreation opportunities. This meeting underscored the county's dedication to preserving and improving recreational spaces for residents, while navigating financial constraints and adapting to the challenges presented by recent natural events.