The second part of our 4 part story provides a look into the planning and what went into creating the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum Picnic Area that was funded by the Picnic Area/Demonstration Rainwater Garden Fund Drive.
It all started with the TRWA Master Plan that was developed in 2022 which included a Picnic Area with Amenities (Trash Receptacle) and a Rainwater Filtration Garden. Once we started on the final detail plans for the Picnic Area in 2024 and into 2025 we determined the following would help to make it an interesting and family friendly part of the TRWA.
- 20 x 20 Stone Picnic Area with ADA Approved (Two ADA Accessible Spots) Picnic Table.
- Bear-proof Trash Can (City of Townsend Provides the Emptying and Bag Replacement of the Trash Can)
- Dog Waste Bag Dispenser
- Better Position of the Porta-loo Back and Under the Trees
- Grape Trellis & Vines, Blueberry Plants and Raspberry/Blackberry Plants
- Dry Creek Bed to Move Excess Water from the Picnic Area to the Rainwater Garden
- French Drain Along the Side Walk to Remove Standing Water and Emptying into the Rainwater Garden
- Area Around the Dry Creek Bed for Additional Native Plants. Two Carolina Silver Bells have been planted to date.
- Bike Rack was Added Upon Completion of the Initial Picnic Area.
- Second Picnic Table that is Children Sized was Added to the Plans Upon Completion of the Initial Picnic Area
Our Story of the TRWA Picnic Area
Earlier this year on we planted 5 Blueberry Plants and installed a Grape Arbor and 3 Muscadine Grape Vines on the hillside of what would become the picnic area.
Next, towards the end of May, we were able to install the Bear-proof Trash Receptacle and the Dog Waste Bag Dispenser. The City of Townsend Maintenance Department provides trash removal and we thank them for that service.
We also decided that the Porta-loo would be better back off the sidewalk and under the trees. An area was created to set the Porta-loo and a path to get to it. Once completed TC Environmental of Townsend reset the Porta-loo.
The Picnic Area was the next part of this project to tackle. Below are some of the steps we took to get to the final picnic area are outlined below.
- A area was marked out for the 20 x 20 stone picnic table area.
- We then created the beginnings of the dry creek bed.
- We prepared the picnic area by removing the existing weeds and grass.
- A French drain was installed along the side walk.
- 10 ton of stone was delivered to cover the French drain and to put an initial leveling stone layer on the picnic area
- The stone area for the picnic table was first covered with geo-fabric then 2 inch geo-cells were added and filled in crusher run and tamped down then a layer of No. 10 stone was added and tamped. Over 12 ton of stone was used.
- The picnic table was then added with security straps and we had a well deserved treat!
- Mulch was added to each side of the dry creek bed and other areas around the picnic table area. Two Carolina Silver Bells were added to each side of the dry creek bed. Additional plants will be added in the future.
- The dry creek bed was then covered with geo-fabric.
- 2 tons of filter rock was added to the dry creek bed giving it shape and structure.
As is our usual thought process after taking a hard look at what has been accomplished, we decided to add two additional features: A Children's Picnic Table and a Bike Rack
The Completed Picnic Area (for now!)
Stop on by and see what we have been doing and what is still being accomplished. Take time to say hello and ask questions, we won't hesitate to engage you. We have never met a stranger.
