Groups gets first OK for new park
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on July 11, 2006 1:50 PM
Stoney Creek Park Development Committee members got a nod of approval Monday, as Goldsboro City Council members encouraged the group to pursue membership with the Wayne Charitable Partnership and approved the plan for the park.
Committee chairman Peter Roethling spoke to council members before their vote that would establish the Stoney Creek Park Alliance, adopt its bylaws and formally approve the park master plan completed late last year.
"We are eager and pleased to bring these bylaws before you," he said. "We have a vision for what (Stoney Creek Park) could become."
Roethling added the committee has worked hard on the concept for the new park, which has a better chance of coming to fruition if local government and the public work together.
"We see this as an organization that can become very dynamic," he said. "One of our greatest assets is the people."
The agenda item was formally presented by Recreation and Parks director Neil Bartlett, who said the committee has discussed various ways to raise funds for and stir interest in the project.
They concluded that affiliation with a non-profit organization -- the Wayne Charitable Partnership -- was necessary to maximize those efforts.
Council members unanimously approved the committee's request, formally creating the Stoney Creek Park Alliance, adopting its bylaws and approving Kimley-Horn and Associates' master plan, which includes a 6-acre lake, walking trails and a Frisbee-golf course.
The council also appointed a 10-person group to serve as the alliance's board of directors.
The board will include City Manager Joe Huffman, Bartlett, Roethling, Councilman Bob Waller, Besty Wharton, D.J. Coles, Burl Braden, Simonne Cato, Donnie Barnes and Sissy Lee-Elmore.
In other business:
*Council members decided not to reschedule the Teakwood and Mimosa Park neighborhood meeting that was canceled June 27 due to rain.
Assistant City Manager Tasha Logan said there is no good time to make up the meeting this summer, but that the neighborhood will appear on next year's schedule. Residents in the area with pressing issues that require immediate attention can call 580-4362, she added.
The next neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 in the neighborhood around Harris Street and Bunch Drive.