Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: January 13, 2026

On January 13th, the Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board convened to discuss ongoing initiatives and address community concerns. The meeting, which began with some minor technical challenges, covered a wide range of topics impacting our local parks and recreational spaces. New board members Jeff Foti and Emily Troisi were welcomed, bringing fresh perspectives focused on greenways, accessibility, and community involvement.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns raised by resident Wilson Sims regarding transparency and communication surrounding the 2017 bond referendum. Mr. Sims questioned the lack of reporting on how these funds have been utilized, highlighted the absence of a dedicated Greenway planner, and urged for greater communication with community groups. Board members acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the importance of accountability and responsiveness to citizen needs. Staff committed to following up directly with Mr. Sims regarding his inquiries, demonstrating a willingness to address these issues head-on.

The Parks & Recreation department provided an update on several key projects, including the promotion of Joseph Goosman to Parks Division Manager, preparations for the upcoming Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics, and ongoing turf projects. Progress on acquiring Deaver View Mountain Park was also highlighted as a positive development for expanding recreational opportunities in the county. A key discussion centered on integrating Greenway planning responsibilities, recognizing the need for a strategic approach to ensure alignment with broader county planning efforts. Molly Wilson, Buncombe County Communications Specialist, presented the department’s marketing and branding strategies, emphasizing the importance of community feedback as the county transitions to a new .gov website domain.

The board unanimously approved both the minutes from their previous meeting and today’s agenda, demonstrating a commitment to efficient governance. Following discussion, the board agreed that planning for a retreat focused on implementing the Parks & Recreation master plan would be added to the agenda of their next meeting, scheduled for March 10th. Board Chair Kevin Conricote underscored the importance of balancing budgetary constraints with community needs, recognizing the vital role parks and recreation play in enhancing quality of life for all Buncombe County residents.

Ultimately, this meeting highlighted a commitment to improving transparency and communication within the Parks & Recreation department. Residents are encouraged to engage with the department’s social media content and provide feedback on marketing materials as the county prepares for website updates. The ongoing discussion regarding Greenway planning demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring our parks and trails continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. For those interested in learning more about these initiatives, further information can be found on the Buncombe County website.