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Board adopts Parks and Recreation master plan; debate over historic house and Kilgore site noted
Summary
The Amherst County Board approved a Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommended by staff and the Recreation Advisory Board; the plan prioritizes undeveloped sites including Kilgore Community Park, a downtown urban park and Madison Heights Park, and the board discussed whether to preserve a town house included in one option.
Parks and Recreation staff and consultants from Hill Studios presented the Amherst County Parks and Recreation Master Plan and recommended adopting the document with the advisory board’s priorities and Option 1 for Coolwell Park and the town park.
The plan, compiled over about 18 months, prioritizes parcels that currently lack facilities—Kilgore Community Park, a downtown urban park (Schrader House area) and Madison Heights Park. Staff described new trail details, parking and lighting recommendations, and potential solar lighting for Appalachian Trail parking areas. The Recreation Advisory Board recommended retaining the county convenience center at Coolwell Park (Option 1) and favored removing the Schrader House (town park option 1), citing repair costs and a desire to use funds for amenities.
Supervisor Martin praised the plan and moved to adopt it “as presented by Hill Studio, for the recommendations by the Amherst County Recreation Advisory Board.” Martin said he did not support demolishing the town house and placed his reservation on the record; other supervisors discussed naming conventions for the Kilgore property and the conservation easement that constrains what can be built there. Staff said Kilgore Community Park is now on the county mowing schedule and that implementation would be phased into future budgets. The board approved the motion by voice vote.
Staff said the plan includes a prioritized project list and projected costs that will guide future budget requests; county administration said staff will start programming funds into next year’s budget and use the plan’s priority list for implementation.
