Residents press Halifax supervisors to repair Tisha Waller track and Edmonds Park
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Summary
Several residents — including a two‑time Olympian whose letter was read at the meeting — urged the board to fund repairs to the county's track and park facilities, arguing the assets support public health, youth athletics and local quality of life. Speakers asked the board to prioritize funding and consider previously identified funding sources.
Dozens of residents spoke during public comment on March 2 urging the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to repair the Tisha Waller track and make broader improvements at Edmonds Park.
Coleman Spies, a long‑time resident who said he was turning 92 soon, told the board the track had been central to local exercise routines and civic life. "That track has been a valuable community asset," Spies said, urging supervisors to retain the facility and prioritize repairs.
Detra Carr read a letter from Tisha Waller, a two‑time Olympian whose name the county track bears; Waller's letter urged upgrades so student athletes can train safely and host local meets. Other speakers included parents and frequent park users who described puddling at playgrounds, damaged surfacing and inaccessible play features.
Roland Clark recounted a prior joint meeting with Hitachi Energy leadership and county and school officials, saying county staff had identified "approximately $1,300,000 from the Dominion Solar project as a potential funding source" for the track work and asked that the matter be referred to the finance committee for follow‑up. Multiple speakers said a full restoration, rather than piecemeal patching, would better serve the community.
Board response: Supervisors acknowledged the long history of calls for repairs. The board moved to refer the track funding discussion to the finance committee and noted earlier conversations about potential funding sources. No specific appropriation or timeline was approved on March 2.
Next steps: Staff will present financing options to the finance committee; the board may consider allocations or bond/one‑time funding if committee review shows a feasible plan.
