Waynesborough Commission changes
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on January 22, 2004 2:02 PM
The Old Waynesborough Commission will soon become an independent, nonprofit organization. Several proposed, long-range plans were discussed at its meeting Tuesday, including separating from the Wayne County Historical Association.
The commission has been a component of the association for many years.
"The commission has grown so much that we just need to progress on our own," said commission Vice President Arnold Leder. "The plans that we are developing need to be done outside the association."
The commission's bylaws have been simplified to state that it will do away with the Old Waynesborough Society and just be one overall commission, said Leder. The approved bylaws can be amended and are the same with regards to membership, officers, financial provisions and the commission's purpose.
The commission approved taking over 130 acres of park land on the Neuse River off U.S. 117 at its October meeting and is waiting for the state to finish the paperwork and officially turn over the deed, said Leder.
Members had discussed several concerns about the acquisition, including the commission's liability. After speaking with several state officials, Leder and others decided there would be no real liability problems.
The commission might use the additional park land for a variety of attractions including a picnic and camping area, a fishing and boat dock, a canoe launch and an RV park. It would also contain a portion of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, which would be developed within the next few years.
The commission approved a plan of what it would like to accomplish soon and in the future.
The Waynesborough Historical Village's hours will change in February. Its current hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Beginning in February, the hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Monday.
It is planning to have inmates from the Neuse Correctional Center work on the buildings on Mondays. It may be open more hours in the spring so people can use the picnic shelters.
Other proposals include moving the Indian village to the right side of the park road near the entrance upon entering the park and using the space where it currently is for a restaurant. Other plans are establishing an area for animals, reconstructing the Goldsboro battlefield, locating the Civil War Corridor and Travel and Tourism office at the village, updating the picture gallery, adding a black history cabinet in the visitor's center, and charging an entry fee.
More upcoming events at the village include a black cultural event and gospel sing on May 1; Summerfest on July 9-11; the open house and barbecue fund-raiser on Oct. 16; "Shadows of Waynesborough" on Oct. 15-16 and 22-23; and Christmas in the Village on Dec. 11.
The village is at 801 U.S. 117 S. Bypass in Goldsboro.
For more information on becoming involved in the events or becoming a commission member, call 731-1653 or e-mail waynesborough@earthlink.net.