From Landfill Buffer to Community Destination
Haywood County Opens Raccoon Creek Bike Park
Haywood County celebrated the completion of Raccoon Creek Bike Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 3, marking the transformation of former landfill buffer property into a regional destination for outdoor recreation.
Located at 115 Rowdy Road in Waynesville, the 19-acre park features a paved pump track, bike skills course, playground, walking path, picnic facilities, shelters, restrooms, parking, and areas where visitors can relax and watch riders. Designed for cyclists of varying ages and skill levels, the park is the first facility of its kind in Western North Carolina.
Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ensley welcomed attendees and reflected on the County’s efforts to determine how the former Francis Farm Landfill property could best serve the community. The land now occupied by the park was originally acquired to provide a buffer around the closed landfill.
“This is an example of what happens when government listens to the community and turns vision into a shared reality,” Ensley said.
A Vision Years in the Making
Planning for the bike park gained momentum as the County completed the Francis Farm Landfill capping project, with construction beginning in 2020. With the landfill properly closed and long-term environmental protections in place, the County began evaluating appropriate recreational uses for the surrounding property.
McGill supported Haywood County with regulatory compliance and closure activities at the former landfill. The work included preparing an Assessment of Corrective Measures (ACM), developing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP), designing and permitting a synthetic landfill cover system, assisting with property acquisition to expand required buffer and compliance boundaries, and providing engineering support during construction.
These improvements strengthened environmental protections and created the foundation for the County to safely consider new uses for the property.
McGill Vice President and Asheville Office Manager Mark Cathey reflected on the transformation: “The first time I visited the Francis Farm Landfill more than a decade ago, it was a significant liability for the County and posed numerous regulatory concerns. To see it transformed into this park today is truly remarkable. What was once a liability has become a valuable community asset, and everyone involved should be proud of the role they played in bringing this project to life.”
Planning Around Haywood County’s Natural Assets
McGill later prepared a parks and recreation master plan for Haywood County, providing County leaders and department staff with a practical framework for future investments. The planning process evaluated population trends, anticipated growth, existing facilities, recreation programs, staffing, and community priorities.
Public engagement was an important component of the planning effort. Based on community input and recommendations from the Haywood County Recreation Advisory Board, a pump track and bike skills facility became part of the County’s vision for the property.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Recreation Advisory Board representative Kevin Fitzgerald discussed the County’s growing emphasis on outdoor recreation. With its mountains, rivers, trails, and other natural resources, Haywood County recognized an opportunity to create facilities that serve residents while supporting the region’s outdoor economy.
Funding a Community Priority
To help advance the project, McGill assisted Haywood County with preparing an application to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, commonly known as PARTF.
County representatives held additional meetings with local boards and civic organizations to gather support and strengthen the application. McGill worked with County staff and project partners to review planning documents, establish schedules, gather supporting information, identify technical requirements, and prepare the required application materials.
The County received PARTF funding and contributed local funds to complete the project. The County also received grants from Visit Haywood and the Haywood Health Foundation and donations from Mountain Credit Union, Haywood EMC, and McGill Associates. Numerous County departments, advisory board members, community organizations, contractors, and project partners collaborated throughout the planning, funding, design, and construction process.
Recreation for Residents and Visitors
Raccoon Creek Bike Park is designed to provide year-round recreation for local families while attracting cyclists and visitors from throughout the region. The facility includes areas for experienced BMX riders, as well as spaces where children and beginning riders can safely develop their skills.
Haywood County will further introduce the facility to the cycling community when it hosts a Velosolutions USA Qualifier in September. Riders will compete for the opportunity to advance to the Velosolutions Pump Track World Championships at this event.
The park demonstrates how environmental stewardship, long-term planning, grant funding, public engagement, and community partnerships can come together to give previously restricted property a new purpose. What began as buffer land surrounding a closed landfill is now a welcoming community destination—one that encourages active living, creates opportunities for families, supports tourism, and showcases Haywood County’s outdoor recreation assets.
Upcoming Events
Grand Opening: Haywood County will host the park’s grand opening on August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are invited to be among the first to ride the new track and enjoy activities for all ages.
Velosolutions USA Qualifer: The park will also host a Velosolutions USA Qualifier on September 12. Additional information about the qualifier is available at:
https://pumptrackworldchampionships.com/qualifiers/usa-qualifier-haywood-county-nc/
