Kick Off Meeting
June 22, 2021
Held at Lake Tomahawk Pavilion, Black Mountain at 6:00 pm
Welcome
Steve Cochran and Julia Weatherford
Julia: Introduction/Explanation of Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee, (Committee) and the Black Mountain Greenways Commission.
Black Mountain Greenways Commission provides greenway related guidance to the Town Council. Recent good governance changes to the town’s operations required that the
Commission’s responsibilities narrow from its prior roles that included events and
fundraising among other duties to advisory board.
The Committee was formed as a 501c3 under the Black Mountain Parks and Greenways Foundation to expand outside of the boundaries allowed the Commission.
Julia shared the Purpose, Vision, and Mission of the Committee.
Greenways on the ground and planned
Julie White
Current on the ground greenways and future plans may be found on the Town website under Adopted Plans tab.
All are invited to join in volunteer workdays to perform trail maintenance and trail building (in collaboration with the Town of Black Mountain ).
Go Outside Black Mountain
Jen Billstrom
Go Outside Black Mountain is the first initiative of the Committee to help neighbors and visitors find ways to enjoy Black Mountain by going outside. Please sign up for the the email list at: gooutsideblackmountain.com
Current and Future Projects
Sally Cochran, Julie White and Ann Lutz
Greenway Challenge is the annual fundraising run staged in April. Julie asks for volunteers to help with all aspects of the race and runners.
Chalk the Walk, an ephemeral art show will be staged for the third year on September 25 (26th rain date). Black Mountain Center for the Arts will partner with the Committee to stage this juried, awarded event at the Arts Center, Town Square and Flat Creek Greenway. Volunteers will be needed for preparation of surfaces the day before, hosts/hostesses to assist artists and guests to view the show.
Village Way Greenway will undergo renovation to eliminate invasive plants and be replanted as a Pollinator Garden. Volunteers will be needed for weeding, planting, and watering. When established the Pollinator Garden will become an educational garden for local schools. These plans for improvement have been approved by the Black Mountain Town Council.
Garden Greenway Improvement– The Committee will fund repairs to a section of greenway that floods and becomes impassable. This plan for improvement has been approved by the Black Mountain Town Council.
Christmas Parade– The Committee plans to participate in the parade by distributing pickles, candy, and maybe dog biscuits. Need participants in costume representing activities they enjoy on the greenway to join us and distribute goodies.
Garden Greenway Children’s Activity Path– Anna Faith, a local student pursuing a Girl Scout Gold Award, presented a description of the stenciled activity path she intends to install on the Garden Greenway to give children of gardeners an outlet for structured movement while awaiting their family member.
Current amenities along our greenways
•Sculptures in Riverwalk park, along the Garden Greenway, and at the entrance to the
underpass in Veterans Park
• Birdhouses in Riverwalk Park
Community Ideas-posted by attendees on Future Projects Board.
● Storywalk-a changeable installation of children’s books to be read by families as they
walk a greenway.
● Deck the Trail-small banners, art display
● Hopscotch trail
● Pop up Picnic
● Water bottle and dog bowl refill station
● Determine need for more benches
● Safe crossing at Hwy 9 and interstate
● Safe walk educational efforts
● “Pass the Torch” Parade around Lake Tomahawk involving passing a torch.
● Full moon walk at golf course
● Amphitheater
● Musical instrument pocket park
● Treasured Trees walking map