Boone Area Outdoors

Daniel Boone Park: What Do You Think?

Boone Planner — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:08:02 +0000

Daniel Boone Park is home to Horn in the West, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market and other facilities. map illustration by Marquis Halback

Originally published: 2012-02-07 from Watauga Democrat

A Vision for Daniel Boone Park

by Anna Oakes

The majority of people who live in or visit Boone may know about the Horn in the West amphitheater and surrounding facilities — but how often do they utilize them?That’s what a steering committee working to redevelop the town-owned properties, known collectively as Daniel Boone Park, wants to know. A community input survey is available online at http://www.danielboonepark.com , a new website created for the redevelopment project.“We’re trying to get as many people in the community as possible to provide insight and ideas on the facility and what it can be,” said Eric Woolridge, director of tourism planning for the Boone and Watauga County Tourism Development Authorities.Woolridge and Southern Appalachian Historical Association chairman Billy Ralph Winkler first proposed the redevelopment project to the Boone Town Council in summer 2011, calling for a multi-year, $4 to $5 million capital campaign to renovate and enhance the 36-acre property.The 60-year-old campus includes the Daniel Boone Theater (the amphitheater used for the Horn in the West outdoor drama), Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Strawberry Hill Arboretum, the Jaycees park and playground, a parking lot used for the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, a town recycling center and Boone Public Works Department maintenance yard.

“A lot is at stake with this vision plan and capital campaign because a significant investment is going to be necessary to ensure that one of the country’s longest running outdoor dramas continues to not only exist but thrive,” Woolridge said.

In August, the council approved the redirection of $15,000 from the existing Horn in the West capital fund to be used as a seed grant to help plan the capital campaign. SAHA contributed another $5,000. That money has been used to hire Project Director Frederick Halback of Marquis Halback, a consulting and design firm with experience in urban design, community parks and public buildings and historic and cultural landscapes.

Since last summer, a steering committee of stakeholders from the Town of Boone, TDA, Daniel Boone Native Gardens and farmers’ market formed. The committee will incorporate input from the survey in creating a long-range vision and conceptual master plan with recommendations for physical improvements and additional programs at Daniel Boone Park.

“We have a property that is under-utilized many months out of the year,” Woolridge said. In addition to traditional cultural tourism opportunities, Daniel Boone Park could expand its offerings to revenue-generating events as concerts, retreats, conferences and weddings, Winkler and Woolridge told the council last summer.

Plan leaders have met with stakeholder groups since last summer to gather input. In late February, the steering committee will meet to develop consensus on ideas, and on Monday, March 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Watauga Public Library, the committee will host a public workshop during which a draft vision and conceptual master plan will be created. Woolridge said the goal is to present a draft plan to the Boone Town Council in April and, hopefully, to launch the capital campaign by mid-summer.

The survey asks respondents how frequently they visit Daniel Boone Park facilities, with whom they visit, how they would rate their experiences and the conditions of the facilities and about their interest in a number of current and potential activities at the park. The final question provides an opportunity for open-ended comments.

Woolridge said the survey link has been sent to local organizations as well as past Horn in the West attendees. Respondents can also forward the survey link on to others, he said. While the survey will be live until March, the steering committee hopes to receive as many responses as possible within the next three weeks.

The slogan developed for Daniel Boone Park is “Where Boone Tells Its Story.” In addition to the community survey, the website features maps of the Daniel Boone Park campus and an executive summary of the project, with existing conditions, proposed activities, partnership and funding opportunities and notes from stakeholder meetings.

For more information or to complete the survey, visit http://www.danielboonepark.com or email (eric@exploreboonearea.com) If you would like to take the survey but do not have Internet access, contact Woolridge at 828-266-1345.

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

Boone Planner — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:47:09 +0000

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE WATAUGA COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING PUBLIC COMMENT

The Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 5:30pm at the Watauga County Commissioners’ Board Room at 814 West King Street in Boone, NC. Watauga County TDA staff will provide a presentation on a proposed state grant to the Recreation Trails Program that could provide funds to develop river access improvements at the Pine Run Road bridge and at Green Valley Park on the South Fork New River. The public will then be allowed comment on these proposed recommendations. For more information call Eric Woolridge, TDA Tourism Planner, at 828.266.1345.

SEE PINE RUN CONCEPT PLAN

SEE GREEN VALLEY PLAN

SEE DRAFT GRANT APPLICATION

Partnering with the National Park Service

Boone Planner — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:37:31 +0000

This post is adapted from a recent press release.

Grant Will Rehabilitate Boone Fork Trail and Portion of Mountains-to-Sea Trail on Parkway

The Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WTDA) has just received a $75,000 grant from the North Carolina Recreation Trails Program (RTP) to rehabilitate and improve the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) in Julian Price Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The grant, and another $18,750 pledged as 25% matching funds by the WTDA, will devote a total $93,750 to rebuild a 2-mile, badly eroded portion of the Boone Fork Trail, a key part of the MST. The funds will also build a dedicated Mountains-to-Sea trailhead parking area, information kiosk, and 700 feet of new trail adjacent to Holloway Mountain Road between Foscoe and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“In these times of limited grant funding, we’re honored to receive this grant to improve hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, consistently mentioned as one of the primary draws for visitors to our area,” said WTDA Executive Director Wright Tilley.

“We’re very grateful for this grant,” said Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis. “The Boone Fork Trail is one of my favorites, and a favorite of many. It needs a lot of work and some repairs to make the trail safer and more enjoyable—and this grant will make a big difference.”

Tilley said, “To be able to leverage $18,750 in occupancy tax funds contributed by visitors to gain an additional $75,000 for recreational tourism infrastructure is a significant achievement for our team. Eric Woolridge, our Director of Tourism Planning, has done an excellent job procuring and managing grants for the TDA.”

“We’re working to develop a long-term relationship with the Park Service to improve the Parkway’s trail and recreation facilities for the future,” Woolridge said.

“It’s easy to forget that existing trails, especially trails as popular as Boone Fork, occasionally need to be rebuilt,” said Randy Johnson, Mountains-to-Sea Trail task force leader for the Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock section of trail. “The grant makes that possible and will also give local volunteers new opportunities to support trails.

During this last grant cycle, there were 43 requests from across the state totaling $3,116,000. Only 21 applicants were selected for grants, awarding a total of $1,383,796. Design of the trails and trailhead will start in late winter with the work expected to be completed by fall 2013.

The Boone Fork project was an idea that was widely supported at the WTDA’s 2009 Outdoor Recreation Summit. Woolridge maintains a blog about outdoor recreation development projects throughout the Boone area at www.booneareaoutdoors.com.

The RTP grant program is managed by the State, but is a federal assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

The Path of Least Resistance: A Planner’s Worst Enemy

Boone Planner — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:09:59 +0000

The path of least resistance, or the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient way to solve a problem, is often sought and preferred by decision-makers. And considering the qualities of such a path and the nature of many problems, this is understandable. But often we settle for the path of least resistance when something far greater is achievable. Will this cost more time and money? Yeah.

If you had a chance to watch some of the 9/11 footage this past weekend, we can agree that the redevelopment of Ground Zero isn’t the result of some small vision. These decision-makers weren’t looking for the simple solution, but the right solution – something beautiful and timeless. On the campus of Appalachian State University we continue to witness the rise of multiple new buildings. Could they be built with fewer dollars? Surely, if LEED certification isn’t important, if character isn’t important, or if you want to place creativity on the sacrificial alter. These examples demonstrate a process counter to the “path of least resistance.” In my optimistic world – and some have called me overly-optimistic – it seems our primary constraint is not time and money, but creativity.

It’s in this vein of thought that I find myself particularly proud of Watauga County and the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Both of these government institutions have found a way – not the easiest or simplest – to further recreation development in Watauga County in a manner I think we’ll all be proud of. Because of contracts approved this week with Harmony Timberworks and Foscoe Construction, we can soon expect the built landscape at Rocky Knob Park and Watauga Gorge Park to be forever enhanced.

Earlier this year the Watauga County TDA adopted a facility design manual as part of the Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan. This manual provides architectural and construction details of how all future shelters, gateway entrances, park entrance signs, and kiosks will be developed. The idea: use architecture to galvanize all of our recreation facilities and establish a single recreation system throughout the county. And while these facilities could have called for “traditional” pressure-treated 6×6 posts with pre-fabricated rafters, this decaffeinated option was rejected. Instead, we’re going to build a host of distinct timber frame structures with “traditional” mortise & tenon, pegged joinery.

We can also thank our grant supporters, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Recreation Trails Program, and Communities Putting Prevention to Work, who’ve contributed a combined $605,000 toward these two parks, including the pending facility construction.

Here’s what we’re building:

Rocky Knob Park: Large Entrance Gateway, Trail Head Gateway, Large Picnic Pavilion.

Watauga Gorge Park: Small Shelter, Entrance Signage, Kiosk.

Click to view slideshow.

Are Sidewalks Overrated?

Boone Planner — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:05:48 +0000

Since my 14 year-old daughter, Taylor, will be going to high school next year, and I, well, just needed a vacation, we decided a 21 day cross-country road trip was in order. More than an opportunity to force my teenager to hang out with me for a few weeks, I’m also looking for some new inspiration for my work. Thus, Madison, WI proved to be a worthy first stop. Below are a few pics…

I'm not the type to look backwards and say "this is how we should of done it," particularly when I am not privy to all information (remember, I'm a county planner). However, in my opinion the bike path concept shown here should have been considered for the new Highway 421 expansion currently taking place in Boone. My understanding is that we'll not have bike lanes, but only an extra-wide, unmarked outside lane for cyclists, and, as already constructed, there are sidewalks on both sides. Idea: remove the extra-wide lanes, which equals about 4' total. Add this width to one of the 4' wide sidewalks and you've created an 8' wide multi-use path. Are sidewalks overrated?

Rent bikes for $10 a day. This bike rack was full about two hours before I was able to get my camera and return. To implement this idea, biking infrastructure must be extensive.

Taylor and our family friend, Madeline, cruise down a "bike boulevard." These low-traffic roadways serve as major connectors to community assets. Bikes are given precedent.

The bike traffic light leaves no doubt.

Watauga Gorge Park

Boone Planner — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:08:50 +0000

Thanks to Watauga County’s tremendous staff, led by JV Potter, the construction of Watauga Gorge Park is well underway. If you get a chance, take a look at this new park located at the intersection of Hwy. 321 and Old Watauga River Road. This park is adjacent to the concrete bridge that crosses the Watauga River just before Trash Can Falls.

This facility, which is being constructed using a grant from the NC Recreation Trails Program, will include 10 parking spaces, a shelter, and a canoe launch. The WCTDA hopes to open the park this fall. The photos below were taken on June 17, 2011.

Click to view slideshow.

drum roll, please.

Boone Planner — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:55:45 +0000

On Sunday, May 1st at 2pm, Watauga County, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA), and Boone Area Cyclists (BAC) will host the official opening of Rocky Knob Park’s first 1.6 mile mountain biking trail.

While a grand opening is being planned for later in the year with the completion of additional trails, this event is the culmination of 18 months of intensive, collaborative work among local government officials and engaged citizens. The county has secured $515,000 in grant funding for the 185-acre facility and Boone Area Cyclists have logged more than 1,500 volunteer hours. Currently, 6.5 miles of additional trails are under construction. With the opening of this first trail, the WCTDA expects to gauge user needs for future facility management.

If you would like to participate in this celebration, Rocky Knob Park is located just east of Boone, directly off of Highway 421. A location map and information about the trail system can be found at: www.rockyknob.wordpress.com

Rocky Knob Trail Status Update

Boone Planner — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:35:46 +0000

Fifteen months ago, Watauga County, in partnership with the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA), completed the land purchase for what is now home to Rocky Knob Park. This 185-acre park will ultimately be anchored by 7-9 miles of unique, destination quality mountain bike trails.

Like many in our community, the WCTDA wants to open Phase I of Rocky Knob ASAP. Phase I includes two loops: Rocky Branch Trail (1.6 miles) and Lower Knob Trail (1 mile). For Phase I, Trail Dynamics was awarded the hybrid trail building contract, which requires local volunteer support and results in a significant cost savings. During fall 2010, Trail Dynamics “benched in” the Rocky Branch Trail and nearly half of the Lower Knob Trail (Trail Dynamics will finish up the Lower Knob Trail beginning in April). As agreed, Boone Area Cyclists (BAC) amassed a volunteer army to complete all trail finish work. All special projects, involving berms, boardwalks, armoring, etc., are beyond the scope of the WCTDA’s contract with Trail Dynamics and agreement with BAC. All special projects were to be negotiated as necessary between the WCTDA and Trail Dynamics. It was awesome, then, when BAC volunteers cranked out five much needed boardwalks to maneuver over wet areas. Because of this effort, in November of 2010, many of us were certain that the opening of Rocky Branch Trail was weeks away. After assessing the trail last week and the plethora of never-before-seen wet areas, unfortunately, we are months away from opening the Rocky Branch Trail. That’s the reality.

There are approximately five major water crossings that must be completed prior opening Rocky Branch Trail. We must construct a combination of elaborate, labor-intensive rock armored trail sections, causeways, and raised platforms. Ideally, we will hire Trail Dynamics to construct the platforms or at a minimum train local craftsmen interested in assisting. I am waiting for a proposal from Trail Dynamics that will outline material and labor costs for this construction. After I received this proposal and meet with other county officials, I will provide an update on how we plan to move forward. In the meantime, the BAC trail boss, Kristian Jackson, will provide direction for the best use of volunteer labor, particularly for Dirty Thursdays.

Prior to the opening of Rocky Branch Trail and all future trails there must be consensus among the professional trail builder, Watauga County’s risk management advisors, and BAC leadership.

The county has just signed a new contract for Phase II trail construction. Benchmark Trails, a professional trail builder from South Carolina, won this bid. This hybrid trail contract includes trail design and trail benching similar to the Phase I contract. However, included in this contract is a budget for special projects. We expect that this provision will prevent some of the delays we are currently experiencing. We expect Phase II will provide approximately four-miles of new trail in addition to special projects. Regardless, Rocky Knob is rocky, wet, and a difficult place to build trail. We’re all aware that the elements that make this project difficult are the same ones that will make it unique.

Thanks to everyone in the community and those that live outside the area that continue to volunteer and patiently wait for opening day. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time. I look forward to providing another update in the near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email: eric@exploreboonearea.com

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

Boone Planner — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:08:44 +0000

Grant Season… Again

Boone Planner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:48:50 +0000

Last year, on January 30th, 2010, I wrote a blog post about the “grant season.” For some reason (well, it’s because of the structure of the government fiscal year) state agencies require grants to be submitted around January and February. Once again, the season is upon us; we can only hope it will be as fruitful as last year.

The Watauga County TDA and Watauga County went 7 for 7 in 2010, racking up $725,000 in grant funds. Awards came from the NC Recreation Trails Program, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Bikes Belong Foundation, Specialized Bikes, NC Adopt-a-Trail, and NC Department of Transportation. 2011 and 2012 will be busy as we use these grant dollars to continue our mountain biking trail work at Rocky Knob Park, construct the Upper Gorge Paddle Trail Access on the Watauga River, and build the Phase I South Fork New River Greenway. If the 2011 grant season unfolds as expected, we’ll certainly push over the $1 million dollar mark for total grants secured since the 2009 inception of the Watauga County TDA’s aggressive outdoor recreation infrastructure improvement campaign.

There are two grants that will soon be deposited in the mail. First, we are requesting approximately $450,000 from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to acquire a 1.4 mile, 100′ wide conservation and trail easement along the New River. If successful, we will ultimately be able to construct the Phase II South Fork New River Greenway, which connects to the county’s existing Brookshire Park and the Phase I trail referenced above.

Second, we will once again hound the NC Recreation Trail Program to provide us with another $75,000. Last year, they provided $75K for the paddle trail access. This year we are asking for support to improve the Mountains-to-Sea Trail/ Tanawha Trail. Proposed improvements include a new trail head access on Holloway Mountain Road and trail repair work to various sections of the Boone Fork Loop, one of the Boone Area’s most popular trails.

That’s a wrap.