North Asheboro greenway project takes step forward

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council has received a feasibility study presented by The McAdams Company on a proposed North Asheboro Greenway. The report was provided during the council’s July 11 meeting.

Nia Rodgers, senior project manager for McAdams, said the study looks at the possibility of the greenway, community support and possible funding sources. 

The likely route of the approximately 1.8-mile greenway runs from Vision Drive, follows Hasketts Creek and ends near Central Avenue just beyond North Asheboro Park. Plans call for a connector trail to North Asheboro School Road. 

The estimated cost is some $4 million, according to Rodgers, who said there are grants available for such projects.

The study is the cooperative effort that includes several City of Asheboro staff members, Kelly Heath of the City Council, Jim Rich of Asheboro A3, Randolph County trails coordinator Mary Joan Pugh, and Sam Varner, Randolph County wellness administrator.

Rodgers told the council that the action plan recommends what to do, who does what, design and construction, pursuit of funding and working with willing property owners. Time frame for development of the greenway can be from two years to more than eight years.

The city held a public workshop on the potential for the greenway on Dec. 12 with maps displaying possible routes for the trail. At that time, there were representatives from the city, the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the McAdams Company to answer questions of the public. 

During the workshop, McAdams listed benefits of greenways:

— Enhances health and wellness.

— Has positive environmental impacts.

— Has economic impacts.

— Provides alternative transportation.

— Has aesthetic contributions.

Councilman Eddie Burks told Rodgers, “I’ve never seen anything so comprehensive. I think it’s a worthy project to adopt the feasibility study.”

Trevor Nuttall, community development director for the city, said there has been a good response from nearby property owners and others who would use the greenway.

Heath said the feasibility study has provided “valuable information about what the public wants.”

“I’m thrilled about the study,” Pugh said. She added that there is Great Trails State money from the NC Legislature for every phase of the project. “We can apply for any of that. I’d really like for you to do this.”

Councilman Joey Trogdon asked Rodgers, “Could this be added on to?” Rodgers replied, “Absolutely.”

Heath made a motion to place the study on the August agenda to allow council members to go over the extensive report. But when Clark Bell said he was ready to move forward, Heath changed her motion to accept the study. The council approved the motion unanimously.