Jackson considers investments in walkability
Cullowhee Greenway. File photo
Two projects underway in Jackson County are set to expand walkability and access to green spaces for residents.
“The park is more than a green space; it is a hub for connection, culture and commerce,” said Matthew Tornow, chair of Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor, also known as CuRvE.
In Cullowhee, CuRvE is working toward a riverside park that connects to the expanded greenway, and in Cashiers, the community is working to construct five miles of trails to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
CuRvE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible redevelopment of the Cullowhee downtown area. The Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor has been working towards a river park for over a decade.
“Thanks to your leadership and your predecessor’s leadership and dedication, this dream has already started to take shape,” said Tornow. “Over the years, you’ve supported the acquisition and preparation of key properties, setting the stage for the next phase of this transformational project.”
The county has already acquired two properties on Wayehutta Road and removed buildings on those properties, as well as invasive plant species. Work has also been done to ensure that the old Cullowhee Road Bridge would be conducive to the greenway expansion and connection to the park, as well as the viability and economic impact of the Cullowhee Dam removal.
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“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the strength and resourcefulness of the people of Cullowhee have shone brighter than ever and this period of resilience inspires a belief that the Cullowhee River Park will not just be a park, it will be a unifying space, destination for connection and community and the center for growth and renewal,” said Tornow.
The next phase of the project includes construction of park amenities including parking, reservable pavilions, an event stage, restrooms, an event vending pad for food trucks, ADA river access, a wading beach and access to the expanded greenway.
“This phase focuses on the riverside park along the water’s edge providing green space, picnic areas and facilities to host events,” Tornow said. “As we look ahead to the second phase featuring river recreation, we plan to first await the outcome of the Cullowhee Dam removal decision before we pursue a cost estimate there.”
The total cost estimate of the park construction is just under $1 million.
“It’s my vision that it would be part of the Greenway Project,” said Finance Director Darlene Fox.
In Cashiers, the Walk Cashiers Initiative aims to make the unincorporated community more walkable by creating the Cashiers Greenway Ramble.
“If you’ve been there, you probably know you have to get out of your car, get back in your car, drive to the next place you want to go,” said Paul Robshaw, president of Vision Cashiers.
With money from the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Cashiers had a study completed by Equinox Environmental to plan for five miles of walkability in the community with small parks, pathways and sidewalks.
“They gave us a price that was like $11 million to do it,” said Robshaw.
Three developments in Cashiers with prospective projects in the community have committed to embracing the walkability project and, combined, will cover about half of the total cost of the project. Those developers are Cashiers Lake, East Village and Cashiers Marketplace.
“This could probably take three years to get it all done,” said Robshaw.
Robshaw says Vision Cashiers is also working to solicit private donations and has already raised about $1.6 million from Cashiers residents. In addition, funds may be available for the project through the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Capital Project Fund.
According to Nick Breedlove, JCTDA executive director, there is about $1.5 million currently available for capital projects. In order to receive any funding for the project through the JCTDA, Cashiers Greenway Ramble would have to submit an application for grant funds to be considered by the JCTDA board.
Phase one of the project — a one-mile loop around the heart of Cashiers — is already complete, and now the group is looking toward the second phase of the project. The request from the Jackson County Commission is $500,000 to help with construction of the second phase of the project.
“We think it’s important for the county to be involved in this because it really helps the county and the county’s going to get a lot out of it by having it,” Robshaw said.
Funding for both the Cullowhee River Park and Walk Cashiers will be considered during the upcoming budget season.
