False Start on Park Design

Last Monday night at the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioner's meeting, Park's and Rec introduced a plan for Robeson Creek Park which surrounds the Plant on two sides.

In my view it was a "swing and a miss."

Let's not build a "kayak canoe water access" for instance, on a creek that is not paddleable. And if we cut a single tree to make a spot for "Food Truck Parking," in a town with plenty of food truck parking, we would be fools indeed.

I was unable to attend--got the word on short notice--but my son Arlo went and read this statement for me:

"I would like to ask the Town of Pittsboro to conduct more deliberation before deciding on a design for what will be the largest park in town.

While it is true that the steering committee met once, and had a zoom call, I do not believe there has been adequate thought given to canopy protection of the existing trees.

Today the 72 acre site, which has been clear cut, is home to a massive amount of understory invasive plants, which are so thick that park planners are unable to see the trees that remain.

If you were to eradicate the invasive plants, and pick up the garbage, the proposed park would resemble the grounds of the Plant which is on the other side of the fence.

I would like the Town to build nothing on the site until the invasives have been removed—such that they can see what they are working with.

Today the Town of Pittsboro is experiencing rapid canopy loss, and I believe it is imperative that any park design should take into account existing specimen trees.

The Tree Museum would like to ask the Town to not approve any built environment until the invasive plants have been removed."

I'm pleased to report that Commissioners John Bonitz, Candace Hunziker, and John Foley, and our Town Manager Johnathan Franklin agreed with the sentiment--the plan was brushed aside as "just preliminary," and there was a strong interest in seeing a "citizen powered" eradication effort launched.

Got it. Next step? Get a Memo of Understanding from the Town such that we can lead "Weed Wrench Workshops" on the other side of the fence. On it. Standby...