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A Proposed Park for
Hiking and Biking

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PROJECT UPDATES

TOWN OF BOONE PUBLIC MEETING

Draft plan presentation below that was presented at the public meeting on 11.29.2023

Project Overview

The Town of Boone owns approximately 160 acres of undeveloped property on Winklers Creek Road. This property is home to the Winklers Creek Reservoir, which at one time was the primary water source for the Town of Boone. Today, the property remains as a back-up water source for the Town. A feasibility study is currently underway to determine whether a public park might be appropriate for this location. 

On May 10, 2023, the Boone Town Council formally adopted a resolution to allow Boone Area Cyclists (BAC) and its consultant partner, DbD Planning, to explore the possibilities for constructing a public park that would allow for hiking and beginner/intermediate biking. This planning process is expected to take place from June 2023 - February 2024.

The Planning Process

Phase 1: Discovery & Site Analysis 

June - November
Develop a GIS database and produce a series of maps of the project study area. Obtain drone photography. Conduct  field visits. Engage area residents and potential project partners to determine both potentially positive and negative outcomes from creating a public park. Conduct an environmental analysis of the property (Interface Environmental). Engage Town of Boone Public Works, NCDOT, and Blue Ridge Electric (powerline easement) to understand any project constraints.

Phase 2: Draft Plan Development

October - November
Develop a conceptual master plan  in accordance with areas suitable for the development of parking, trails, and other support facilities. Produce an illustrative master plan for the study area along with any additional renderings or drawings necessary to convey recommendations. Outline general trail design standards and practices.

Prepare a draft presentation of findings. Conduct a meeting among a small group of project stakeholders to obtain initial feedback and critique of draft plans. The small stakeholder group will include Town of Boone representatives (Public Works Director and appointed Council-member liaison), Boone Area Cyclists representatives, a neighborhood representative, and other potential project partners.

In accordance with feedback from the stakeholder group, obtain additional information, revise plans, and prepare for the public meeting. 

Phase 3. Public Meeting

Conduct a public meeting that allows for the public to comment on the proposed plan. The public meeting format will allow for a presentation of draft plan findings and an opportunity for feedback and public comment. Address any public comments to the extent possible and update/revise plans and research accordingly. 

Phase 4: Final Plan Development & Release

Based on feedback from the steering committee and the public, the consultant team develops the final illustrative site plan and final master plan document that includes a summary of environmental analysis, public comments, recommendations, and an estimate of probable cost. The final plan is released for public review and a final public meeting date is set by Boone Town Council. 

Phase 5: Town of Boone Public Hearing

The Town of Boone will conduct a formal public hearing to allow for final public comment of the draft Winklers Creek Park Master Plan. 

Phase 6: Town of Boone Action

The final phase of the plan development process includes formal action by the Town of Boone, which will either decide to adopt or reject the Winklers Creek Park Master Plan.
View of the study area looking north.
View of the study area looking south.
View of the study area looking west.
NCDOT officials and the consultant team assess sight distance from the proposed park parking area.
The historic, upper dam could potentially serve as a bridge to the property's west rim.

Project Timeline

Discovery and Site Analysis

  • Field visits 
  • GIS database creation 
  • Engage local partners 
  • Environmental analysis

May – November 2023

Final Plan Preparation and Town Council Action

  • Final illustrative site plan 
  • Final master plan 
  • 2nd Public Meeting
  • Boone Town Council Action 

November – December 2023

Plan Development and Public Forum

  • Preliminary illustrative site plan 
  • Draft Presentation Report
  • Steering Committee Meeting 
  • Public Meeting

May – November 2023

Frequently Asked Questions


Why is the old Winklers Creek Reservoir property being explored for a public park?

This property was identified during the planning process for Imagine Watauga, a plan to identify opportunities to develop new recreation and quality of life projects across Watauga County and within the Town of Boone. Land acquisition and control is a major deterrent to developing new recreation projects. This 160-acre property is owned by the Town of Boone and was approved by Town Council to explore for potential recreational use, specifically trail development.


Why are hiking and beginner/intermediate biking trails being considered as the primary use?

Surveys results from both Imagine Watauga and County Parks and Recreation Plan highlight the need among locals for beginner and intermediate mountain biking trails. Hiking trails can be easily incorporated into this trail design.


How are environmental impacts being considered?

Interface Environmental (led by Carrie Caviness, Phd.) is responsible for conducting a high-level environmental assessment. The results of her report are forthcoming (late November or early December). 

If the Winklers Creek Park Plan were to move forward, a detailed analysis would take place during the trail construction phase. After a trail route is flagged, a biologist would follow the trail alignment to ensure no rare plants are impacted.  


How are potential permits being considered?

A land disturbance and erosion control permit are common for park projects such as the one proposed. The environmental assessment will determine any other necessary permits required by Watauga County or the state.


How is traffic and site access being planned for?

Road maintenance is the responsibility of NCDOT. NCDOT must authorize a driveway permit for any new parking areas, ensuring appropriate sight line distance – this will be addressed in the draft plan. 

As part of the planning process there will be consideration of other nearby park facilities to determine an approximate increase in Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT).


How are considerations being made for the local community surrounding the park?

Two public meetings are being held throughout the planning process. One public meeting will be held after the draft plan is presented by the consultant team. Another meeting will be held after the printed draft plan is released. Both of these meetings will provide an opportunity for the consultant team, Town Council, and the public to hear community concerns.


What is the plan for operational considerations of the park?

Trail user groups will include walkers, runners, and mountain bikers.

The Town of Boone will operate the park and determine hours of operation. The parking area will be maintained by the Town of Boone and the trail system will be maintained by Boone Area Cyclists and its volunteers. 

Study Area

  • View of the study area looking north.
  • View of the study area looking south.
  • View of the study area looking west.

Consultant:

Eric Woolridge, AICP
President, Destination by Design Planning
Phone: (828) 386-1866
Email: [email protected]

Website produced by: Destination by Design