Buncombe County Context the Communities Throughout Buncombe County Are Tain Vistas, Hike Numerous Trails, and Wheel Down As Diverse As Its Landscape

Draft Plan for Public Review—August 2012

Chapter 2: Buncombe County Context The communities throughout Buncombe County are tain vistas, hike numerous trails, and wheel down as diverse as its landscape. Some sectors of the single track mountain bike trails that rank among County remain in a rural and natural state, with farm- the best in the United States. The area is also a lands and pasture abutting steep mountain grades. hub for artists and culinary endeavors. This com- Other areas have experienced rapid growth and, bined with the cultural influence of like-minded while not within city or town limits, have urban cen- residents who reside in Buncombe County and con- ters, neighborhoods and other commercial areas. The tribute to our active lifestyles, complement a cities and towns of Buncombe County—Asheville, Bilt- strong tourism-based economy and create a con- more Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, text within Buncombe County that should help nat- and Woodfin—each have qualities that contribute to urally promote a stronger greenway culture. the overall feel of the County and the region. This chapter reflects the factors that contribute to Factors such as terrain, historic landmarks and prox- the uniqueness of communities across Buncombe imity to rivers and streams make each community County. It also profiles the feedback gathered dur- unique while adding to the challenges of realizing a ing the public meetings and stakeholder work- regionwide, inter-connected greenway system. The shops in 2011 and 2012. challenges faced in planning for and constructing There is an expectation among area stakeholders greenways and trails systems in Western North Caro- that Buncombe County, its municipal partners, non lina can be traced back to ancient eras when the -profits, land conservancies and other government Sunset over Lake Julian near the Arden community in network of streams and rivers carved valleys through- agencies will act as a unified voice to create a re- south Buncombe County. The Lake Julian Greenway out the southern Appalachian Mountains. Travel by gional greenways system. Corridor is one of the planned Priority Corridors identi- any mode—whether for transportation or recreation-- fied in this Plan. in Western North Carolina has always been difficult, Community Influences & Destinations Photo Credit: Buncombe County as the far-traveling landscape architect Frederick Law The following pages contain brief profiles of Bun- Olmsted noted in the late 1800s that the stage roads combe County communities, cities and towns. in Western North Carolina were “as bad as anything, These profiles were developed through stakeholder under the name of road, can be conceived to be.” workshops, seven public meetings held throughout the County, and an online survey that asked re- The mountains and waterways of this region will con- spondents to name destinations in their communi- tinue to provide the likely course for greenway corri- ty and across Buncombe County that they would dors to connect cities, schools, downtown areas and like to access via a greenway. natural features. The routes to connect our communities will become popular destinations in and of them- Influences are major features of a community that selves and provide opportunities for a fully integrated can impact how and where a greenway is con- system of primary greenway facilities. structed (e.g. a river or major highway). Destina- tions are places people may travel to or start from Today recreationalists flock to Western North Caroli- to use a greenway. Some influences may also be na to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, experience moun- destinations or have destinations near them. Buncombe County Greenways & Trails Master Plan 2 - 1 Draft Plan for Public Review—August 2012

Community Influences & Destinations

Alexander Arden

Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  French Broad River  Lake Julian & Park  Alexander Park & Greenway Trail  YMCA Reuter Center & Biltmore Park  Marshall & Madison County  Former Brookwood Golf Course  NC 251 / Riverside Drive bicycle route  Bent Creek Trails & Blue Ridge Parkway  Ledges Park  Jake Rusher Park  Mountain bike trails  Royal Pines Park  Walnut Island  French Broad River  Fletcher Park  Airport area shopping centers Biltmore Lake in the Enka community.  Roberson area schools

Barnardsville & Big Ivy Enka - Candler

Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  Rural development, farms and pastureland  Buncombe County Sports Park  Big Ivy Community Center  Sand Hill - Venable Elementary School  Barnardsville township center  Pisgah School & Candler Elementary  Barnardsville Elementary School  Enka High School & Middle School  Ivy River  AB Tech, Enka Campus  Coleman Boundary  Hominy Creek  Hiking trails near Blue Ridge Parkway  Beaverdam Community Center  Navitat Walking trail and playground at the  Biltmore Lake Big Ivy Community Center near  Bent Creek trails Barnardsville.

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Community Influences & Destinations

Fairview Erwin, Leicester, Sandy Mush Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  Rural development, farms and pastureland  Rural development, farms and  Blue Ridge Parkway pastureland  Fairview Elementary School  Erwin Schools Complex  Cane Creek Middle School  Leicester School  Fairview Public Library  Leicester Library  Reynolds High School & Middle School  French Broad River  Cane Creek  Sandy Mush Game Lands  US Highway 74A & NC Highway 9  Hickory Nut Gap Greenway connecting Carrier Park and Hominy Creek in West Asheville.

Swannanoa Asheville

Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  Swannanoa River  Downtown & River Arts District  Warren Wilson College  French Broad & Swannanoa Rivers  Owen Schools  Carrier Park & West Asheville  Village center  Biltmore Village & Biltmore Estate  Grovemont community & library  UNC Asheville & Beaver Lake  Bee Tree Lake  AB Tech Main Campus  Owen Park & Pool  Existing Greenways & Wilma Dykeman Facilities at Owen Park in the  US Highway 70 RiverWay & Blue Ridge Parkway Swannanoa community.  Blue Ridge Parkway  Haw Creek, Nature Center & Azalea Park  Azalea Park & Nature Center  City Neighborhoods

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Community Influences & Destinations

Biltmore Forest Black Mountain Montreat

Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  Large estate lots  Downtown & Lake Tomahawk  Montreat College  Blue Ridge Parkway  Greenways, parks & garden  Hiking trails  Biltmore Estate  Montreat College & The Oaks  Mt. Mitchell  Mountains-to-Sea Trail  Swannanoa River  Downtown Black Mountain  Carolina Day School  Elementary & Primary School  Point Lookout Trail  Ridgecrest  Ridgecrest  Point Lookout Trail  Black Mountain  Retreats & camps  Catawba Falls & Headwaters  NC Highway 9 & US 70

Weaverville Woodfin

Influences & Destinations Influences & Destinations  Downtown Weaverville  YMCA Woodfin  Nature Park  Woodfin Elementary School  Lake Louise & Reems Creek  Riverside Park  Vance Birthplace  French Broad River  Blue Ridge Parkway  Weaverville & North Asheville  North Buncombe schools  Woodfin Community Center  Woodfin & North Asheville  Reynolds Village Point Lookout Trail to Old Fort.  Windy Gap  French Broad River Greenway at Woodfin‘s Riverside Park.

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Community & Stakeholder Outreach Exhibit 2-1: Geographic A five-pronged approach to gathering input from across Buncombe County was employed to reach as distribution of survey many communities and diverse populations as possi- respondents Montreat ble. While new technology such as online surveys and social networking allow citizens to provide commen- tary on specific aspects of the Greenways and Trails Master Plan, Buncombe County felt it imperative that citizens and stakeholders be engaged one-on-one through a variety of methods. The five-pronged approach included:

 11 Public Meetings, which drew more than 300 citizens, were held in October 2011 and May 2012 at:  Arden (x2);  Asheville (x2);  Barnardsville;  Black Mountain;  Enka;  Fairview; Exhibit 2-2: To what places  Leicester; and do you think greenway  Weaverville (x2). connectivity should be  Two-Day Stakeholders Workshop, which drew a priority? 138 invitees from several interest groups across the region, and included sessions for:  Elected officials & town managers;  Economic development;  Health & wellness;  Maintenance & policy;  Recreation & programs;  Sustainability & environment; and  Transportation & connectivity.  Information Booths at 12 public festivals throughout the summer and fall of 2011;

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 Online Survey, which was completed by more Exhibit 2-3: What activities than 500 respondents and disseminated through influence your use of information booths and public forums, Facebook, greenways? websites for communities and organizations, and through announcements.  Greenways, Please: A marketing campaign con- sisting of newspaper columns, public service announcements, a promotional video, social media and photo campaign with 700 images submitted by citizens that drew attention to Connect Bun- combe and the Plan throughout the process.

Survey Results The survey conducted as part of the Greenways and Trails Master Plan was intended to gather specific information from Buncombe County residents and visitors as to what types of places they would like to access via a greenway, with a strong emphasis on their desires for greater connectivity.

Exhibit 2-4: What factors Exhibit 2-1 illustrates the geographic distribution of the more than 500 respondents to the survey, of deter you or your family which more than half were from the City of Asheville. from using a greenway? Black Mountain, Arden-Skyland, Weaverville and Enka -Candler each had between 20 and 40 respondents. The survey included 15 questions with a variety of formats to gauge specific interest in projects, programs and connectivity to various destinations, in- cluding general desires and community-specific loca- tions. For exhibits 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4, respondents were allowed to pick multiple preferences. Most nota- ble were these responses: Exhibit 2-2: To what places do you think greenway connectivity should be a priority? Recreational areas and natural areas were the primary general destinations, with schools, residential areas and businesses comprising leading commute destinations.

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Exhibit 2-3: What type of activities influence your use trails system. The themes of this synthesis are a greenway? The leading responses were related to included on the following pages and are listed in walking, running, bicycling and nature observation. no particular order. Throughout development of Respondents also strongly noted they use greenways the Buncombe County Greenways and Trails for reaching a destination such as work, schools or Plan these themes served as guidance in devel- shopping areas. oping various sections of the Plan and to ensure Exhibit 2-4: What factors deter you or your family the results of the plan were consistent with what from using a greenway? The lack of greenways or we heard from stakeholders and citizens. trails near a residence or business and a lack of connectivity between existing greenways were cited as the main deterrents of greenway usage. A few respondents cited concerns about safety or hazards as Exhibit 2-5: Top Destinations Desired for Greenway Connectivity, as Identified by Survey Respondents reasons that would discourage them from using a Destinations Responses Destinations Responses greenway. West Asheville 112 Riverside Drive 27 Respondents were also asked to identify three specific destinations within their community and five spe- Blue Ridge Parkway 108 Beaver Lake 25 cific destinations elsewhere in Buncombe County French Broad River 91 Marshall 19 they would like to access via a greenway or trail. The Bent Creek 89 Tunnel Road 18 purpose of the two questions was to encourage them to consider both local and regional attractors. As not- Downtown Asheville 88 Biltmore Estate 17 ed, these individual responses were used to generate River Arts District 81 Swannanoa 17 the influences and destinations noted in the commu- Swannanoa River 60 Weaverville 15 nity profiles. Additionally, Exhibit 2-5 shows the top destinations identified by the more than 500 re- Schools 52 East Asheville 13 spondents. Carrier Park 49 AB Tech 12 Stakeholders: What We Heard UNC Asheville 49 Biltmore Park 12 The two-day stakeholders workshop gathered a di- Nature Center & Azalea Park 45 South Asheville 12 verse set of stakeholders to answer a subject-specific Arboretum 44 Lake Tomahawk 11 focus question about greenways. Participants were asked to prioritize their responses, which were dis- Black Mountain 42 North Asheville 11 cussed during each subject area session. The results Grocery Store 36 Ridgecrest 10 of the subject area sessions were then cross- tabulated and synthesized into major themes that Biltmore Village 33 Farmers Market 9 constitute the major objectives for Buncombe County Warren Wilson College 32 Lake Julian 9 and its partners to pursue a regional greenways and Montreat 29 Buncombe Co Sports Park 8

Buncombe County Greenways & Trails Master Plan 2 - 7 Draft Plan for Public Review—August 2012 What we heard...

Context & Identity Partnerships & Access & Connectivity  Acknowledge community identity and Economic Development  Provide direct connections from placemaking potential of greenways. greenways to gathering places.  Develop a plan of action to keep the  Enhance neighborhoods through  Build upon community culture and public sector engaged. themes. greenway connectivity.  Define what is already in place.  Incorporate art  Prioritize schools, parks and  Know the needs of the private sector. natural areas.  Engage youth & older adults.  Reach out to schools, non-profits  Understand the need for  Recognize that support will vary and land conservancies. safety features at access points. among communities.  Incentivize greenways investment.  Connections to transit are  Create “cool” communities.  Work with law enforcement. increasingly important.

Land Acquisition & Funding Strategies Health Impacts Management  Pursue a dedicated source of revenue.  Be equitable by constructing greenways in communities that benefit the most.  Identify appropriate techniques.  Communities should recognize a  Build upon the creativity, spirituality  Develop a fee in lieu program for common interest in funding greenways. & salubrious lifestyles of people. greenways development.  Identify less-restrictive  Understand the impacts of safe  Place requirements on development (e.g. non-federal) funding sources. practices & design on health. as with sewer, roads and water.  Coordinate funding to lessen burden on small towns.  Recognize the positive role  Eminent domain is not preferred. greenways play in stress relief,  Work to preserve large parcels.  Development-based requirements family dynamics, & mental health. can allay some costs.  Get ahead of growth.  Design and access matter.

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Design Environment & Ecosystems Responsibility & Liability  Consider life-cycle maintenance costs in  Enhance floodplains and riparian zones.  Define how it affects towns, design and construction. partners, volunteers and others.  Restore streams along greenway routes.  Understand the need for visibility and  Develop agreements to lessen how that relates to security for users.  Connect people to natural features. liability for private property owners.  Explore different surface types  Preserve “wild areas” and design based on context.  Establish, follow, and enforce greenways accordingly. policies for use.  Use local materials and green  Identify partners who can provide techniques.  Protect volunteers. environmental benefits along with  Recognizing the proper context for greenways and trails. amenities is important.

Utilities, NCDOT Programs & Education Volunteers & Advocacy & Railroads

 Reach out to people of all ages and  Keep volunteers and advocates  Ensure these entities understand a abilities. engaged. desire to make them a partner.  Build upon existing programs led by  Develop an Adopt-A-Trail program in  Identify easements and right-of-way various non-profits. cooperation with schools, retreat that can benefit greenways. centers, neighborhood associations  Coordinate with schools, and non-profits.  Engage them early in the planning universities, and colleges. and design of new greenways.  Actively promote greenways  Create demonstration projects. through various channels.  Make sure they are at the table.  Develop training programs for  Understand the impacts of  Understand their business model. greenway usage & maintenance. tourism.

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