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Robeson Walk Park master plan: town and residents push phased, canopy-first approach
Summary
Town staff presented a draft master plan for the 72-acre Robeson Walk Park emphasizing passive, multigenerational uses and phased implementation; residents urged invasive-species removal and tree surveys before major construction and suggested volunteer partnerships for stewardship and kayak access as a future option.
A city planner presenting the Robeson Walk Park master plan described two public engagement rounds and a merged draft design that prioritizes passive, ecological parkland on the 72-acre site. The presentation summarized participation (147 adults in person, 38 children, and 64 online commenters submitting 243 comments) and said the concept combines features residents requested: multigenerational access, connectivity, water access, and preservation of natural areas.
Multiple speakers from the public urged the town to delay building significant permanent structures until volunteers or contractors remove dense invasive understory and allow staff and designers to identify existing specimen trees and canopy. Arlo Estill, who spoke during public comment, asked the town to "build nothing on the site until the invasives have been removed" so planners can "see what they are working with." The board and staff repeatedly endorsed a phased approach, starting with modest access and parking and later adding facilities after cost estimates and further site study.
Panel discussion addressed kayak/canoe access to the creek: the planner said small sections offer at least one foot of depth and that improving water quality or navigation would require additional investment and creek work, possibly complicated by beaver activity and downstream water-management uncertainties tied to the nearby small-street sewer plant. Commissioners asked about parking materials and were told current town standards require paved lots, limiting an immediate gravel-lot option without code changes.
The presentation emphasized connections between the park and a nearby plant attraction and greenway loops for varied user lengths, overlooks and multipurpose fields intended for passive activities (movies, concerts, picnics), and potential volunteer partnerships to manage invasive biomass (chipping/managed removal). Staff noted funding and construction will be phased over years and that cost estimates are needed before committing to built amenities.
Board direction: staff will gather cost estimates, seek further public feedback and provide additional aerial imagery and site details as requested; commissioners expressed broad support for proceeding with phased cost-estimation and for formalizing volunteer stewardship if feasible.
