Woodstock Residents Weigh In On New Trickum Road Park

WOODSTOCK, GA -- More than 50 residents ventured into downtown Woodstock Monday to learn more about a new park slated to come to the east side of the city. The city hosted a public input meeting for its proposal to develop a passive park along Trickum Road just south of the Woodview subdivision near Barnes Road.

Those in attendance were treated to a brief overview about the city's use of $5 million of the county's $90 million parks bond to build trails in Woodstock and how this new park will not only aid in that purpose, but also preserve some greenspace in the city where undeveloped land is hard to come by.

"I'm very happy to see you guys here (tonight)," said Woodstock Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser, who added the turnout for the Dec. 4 meeting was impressive.

City leaders in October ratified the purchase of 24.42 acres of land along Trickum Road near Little River, which adds to the 40.7 acres the city previously acquired east of the thoroughfare and 36.32 acres donated earlier this year to the Greenprints Alliance, the group formed to help create a network of trails and park land around he city.

When fully assembled, the land will total just over 100 acres and will provide residents with passive recreation opportunities. While final amenities are open to stakeholder input and discussion, the Greenprints Plan approved by the city in 2008 contemplates multi-use trail on a portion of this site.

The land also sits adjacent to property the Woodlands subdivision leases for the city for a park. Pooser said the city could also explore the option of providing neighborhood access to the new park by tying in proposed trails with the existing paths the subdivision has on its property. However, that decision would be up to the neighborhood, he added.

The land the city wants to develop into a passive park includes a house constructed in the 1990's that's in "disrepair" and would be demolished. Also on the site is a cabin that appears to be around 80 years old, which the city would like to save and use as a possible nature or educational center. Other amenities that could be incorporated on the site include a disc golf course, paved and soft walking trails, parking and restroom facilities, canoe/kayak launch along the river and a new playground at the site where the house is located.

After receiving a brief overview of the possibilities, residents were asked to use green stickers to place beside proposed amenities they would like to see on the park.

They were also asked to provide feedback -- and additions -- on what name they would like to see for the park.

Pooser told the audience this new park provides a unique opportunity for the city, as it is the first park Woodstock will create from the ground-up since Dupree Park opened some time in the 1980's. That park, along with Olde Rope Mill Road and the Park at City Center, have seen upgrades and much-needed amenities over the last several years to respond to the growing demand from visitors.

Citizens who attended Monday's meeting, most of whom were from the neighboring Woodlands neighborhood, said they were excited about the new park on this side of the city.

"It's going to be a game changer for us," said Lauren Hekking, who attended the meeting with her husband, Rory, and their children. The Hekkings were excited about the possibility of being able to enjoy a park that's close to their home.

Woodview resident Perry Dillman agreed, adding he thought it was "great" the city held a public input meeting to get residents involved in the development process. The plan, which he said sounds like it's been "well-thought out," would also allow him to enjoy a park without getting into his car.

"It's nice to have one that's close (to home)," he said.

Photo credits: Kristal Dixon