Matt Faulkenberry

The 2025 Update of the Town of Waxhaw Parks & Recreation Strategic Master Plan serves as a needs assessment, identifying accomplishments and outlining future requirements based on safety needs and citizen feedback. The plan aims to address underserved recreational space by expanding diverse park types, including Mini Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Greenways. Key priorities involve renovating and expanding existing facilities, acquiring land for new park development, and enhancing recreational, educational, and cultural programming for all ages and abilities. The overarching vision is to provide professional park facilities, recreational opportunities, and quality of life initiatives that reflect the unique character of Waxhaw.

This master plan provides a ten-year roadmap for the Town of Waxhaw's Downtown, focusing on preserving its historic charm and small-town character while managing growth. Key priorities include identifying areas for commercial development and redevelopment to support local businesses, improving the downtown experience by addressing traffic, parking, and pedestrian connectivity, and creating flexible public spaces for all ages. The plan aims to strengthen downtown as a vibrant social and local destination and guide thoughtful, equitable growth.

The Downtown Waxhaw Workplans for FY26 aim to establish Downtown Waxhaw as the cultural and economic center of the community and the premier destination in Union County. The plan focuses on preserving, promoting, and bridging the past, present, and future of Downtown Waxhaw through four key transformation strategies: promoting Downtown Waxhaw as a premier destination, fostering authentic craftsmanship, preserving cultural heritage, and creating economic opportunities for innovative ideas and small businesses.

The board meeting included a flag design contest recognition for fourth-grade students, a presentation on the African-American Heritage Project regarding historical research and preservation efforts, and a discussion on the upcoming Battle of the Waxhaws reenactment and living history weekend. The board also addressed recommendations for historic preservation, including potential ground penetrating radar for a local cemetery and future educational exhibits.

The Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop to review the capital improvement plan and reserve fund ordinance. Key discussion topics included prioritizing various projects within the parks and recreation section, the fiscal impact of special event costs, potential fundraising strategies, and the sequencing of restroom construction projects at Town Creek Park and Emerson Park. Staff provided clarification on the budget draft, and the board requested further accounting details regarding event expenditures, revenue generation, and overtime costs.