Woodfin outlines repairs for Roy Pope Park; steps, benches and canopy prioritized in proposed budget

Town staff reviewed proposed maintenance and modest rehabilitation work for Roy Pope Park at the May 14 advisory meeting and said the items are included in the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

Staff listed priorities as replacing the playground steps (which have sharp edges), replacing outdated benches, restoring a missing tire swing and replacing a damaged canopy above the sandbox. Staff said they recently refilled the sandbox and remulched playground areas and repaired a small landslide at the park’s edge after storm impacts. The town removed an obsolete misting feature earlier because it had fallen into disrepair.

Committee members urged safety-first priorities, and several said they considered the playground steps the most urgent repair. Others suggested lower-cost interim solutions (chalk for creative play, reuse of footprints for temporary features) given the long-term redevelopment plans for the site. Staff said the council approved the requested funding to include the repairs in next fiscal year’s budget; the fiscal year begins July 1 and staff hope to begin work close to that date, subject to procurement timelines and contractor availability.

Staff asked for committee input on priorities and said quotes are being collected; construction timing will depend on final bids and budget reconciliation. The town also said some items will not be fully replaced prior to larger planned redevelopment of the site in future years, and that the town is balancing immediate safety and deferred major investment.