Comments for Boone Area Outdoors

Comment on Grant to Build Paddle Accesses on New River: Public Comment Requested by Susan Phipps

Susan Phipps — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:47:44 +0000

I am going to be out of town this evening and unable to attend the meeting, but I would like to put in a positive word for the development of this river access. I live very close to the bridge and I have noticed over time that people access the river very frequently at this spot. Improving the site to make such access easier will also make it safer. Now cars and trailers can be seen parking in a haphazard way on both sides of the river. I say “yes” to developing an official access.

Comment on Grant to Build Paddle Accesses on New River: Public Comment Requested by Boone Planner

Boone Planner — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:16:14 +0000

Hey Mike,
Good comments. Both of these concerns will be looked at more closely in the engineering/construction design phase. When we developed this concept plan and had initial discussions with DOT, the access radius was discussed considerably. The outcome was the installation of a small retaining wall to improve the turning radius, which is illustrated on the plan.

In regards to flooding, several environmental permits will need to be received prior to construction. The environmental impact of this site, as it currently exists, is one of the primary drivers for this improvement. With a well engineered canoe launch, we expect considerably less erosion and sediment issues for the river.

I’d be glad to discuss these issues further.

Best,
Eric
cell: 828.719.1109

Eric Woolridge
Tourism Planner, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority

Comment on Grant to Build Paddle Accesses on New River: Public Comment Requested by mike

mike — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:23:10 +0000

Two questions and/or concerns: The curve of the road coming from the north to the bridge is dramatic and the turn into the proposed access from the south would be acute. I see potential issues from vehicles turning into the access with vehicles coming from both the north and the south.

Commerical vehicles with boat trailers already block the road.

This access is at the outside of the river bend and has periodic flooding issues. Has the engineering design taken into account the flooding and erosion that occurs.

Comment on Bike Skills Area by Fall Update | Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Fall Update | Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:02:55 +0000

[...] of the Bike Skills area will begin this fall too. These two efforts will help push the Park forward as a premier [...]

Comment on Request for Proposals: Rocky Knob Park Playground by Fall Update | Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Fall Update | Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:02:52 +0000

[...] some work happening at the end of the parking lot. The county is cutting down the pad for the Adventure Playground. Once this grading is complete, we will begin work on a kid’s pump track to the side of that [...]

Comment on The Path of Least Resistance: A Planner’s Worst Enemy by Dave Robertson

Dave Robertson — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:18:04 +0000

Eric, I’m really glad the TDA is pursuing your vision to have a distinctive design for signage, shelters, etc. This will begin to create a broader awareness of the incredible work being done by the TDA Board and staff to promote tourism and to develop new tourism resources to attract more visitors to the High Country. You and Wright are doing a fantastic job. Any progress on a possible beginners mountain biking and hiking trail around the Boone resevoir on Winklers Creek? I would also like to see an update on the Greenway extension from the Boone Sewer plant past the Ted Mackorell Soccer complex towards Todd. Thanks for all you do!

Comment on Are Sidewalks Overrated? by Jacob Bonenberger

Jacob Bonenberger — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:43:17 +0000

Wish they had this kind of foresight in Chapel Hill/Carrboro too.

Enjoy your trip!

Comment on Watauga Gorge Park by Boone Planner

Boone Planner — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:56:49 +0000

We have some major risk management work to do well before we consider opening this park. I hope to put together a map for this river section in the near, which identify the portage area. As always, thanks for your support!

Comment on Watauga Gorge Park by Dave Robertson

Dave Robertson — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:02:30 +0000

Eric, Great news, and thanks to Rob and Beverly Holton for their generosity in making this happen. Thanks also to you for your design work and overall project coordination.

Could you post a link to some information on canoeing/kayaking on this section of river? I know there is a big, dangerous rapid soon after put in that can only be run by the most experienced boaters, but what about the rest of this section for recreational kayakers, like me? I assume a portage around that beast of a rapid is easy to spot and navigate?

Will the new parking area have a map of the river and a sign warning folks about the big rapid?

Comment on “build it foot by foot” – it’s a marathon, not a sprint by John

John — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:03:36 +0000

Great story. I am excited for Boone’s cycling future. The series of greenway trails proposed as well as Rocky Knob is very exciting. I know it will take time, but it will be well worth it. I plan to be out there helping shape Boone’s cycling future.