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Council approves schematic designs for four neighborhood greenway connectors funded by 2022 parks bond
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Summary
Council approved schematic designs for four greenway connector projects funded by the 2022 parks bond: Village Lakes (Neuse River), Chastain (to Barwell Road Park), Sanderford Road Park connector and Bushy Branch (Walnut Creek). Staff discussed easement needs, proximity to homes and crossing safety.
The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously to approve schematic designs for four neighborhood greenway connector projects from the 2022 parks bond, intended to link neighborhoods to major greenways and parks.
Kimberly Saran, project manager in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and consultant Graham Bruns (McAdams) presented four connector sites: Village Lakes to the Neuse River Trail, the Chastain community to Barwell Road Park, a Creech Road connection to Sanderford Road Park, and the Bushy Branch connection to the Walnut Creek Trail west of NC State. Staff said typical trail width will be 10–12 feet, with boardwalks at small wetland crossings, standard wayfinding, and a goal to preserve trees and natural surroundings.
Council members pressed on proximity to private residences, easement acquisition and pedestrian safety at road crossings — notably a multi‑lane crossing at Avon Ferry where staff said design options (guardrails, rerouting, and signalized crossings) are being considered and no final solution was presented.
Staff said three of the four connectors will require private easements or cooperation from property owners (HOAs or apartment owners) and estimated design and permitting through spring, with construction bidding expected in summer and a construction window spanning 2026–2027. Council approved the schematic and directed staff to continue easement coordination, safety design for crossings and schedule planning.
