So, You have Questions about the Bolin Creek Parkway…

Well, we have answers!

Won’t a paved path destroy a beautiful natural environment and upset a fragile ecosystem?

No! Fortunately, Bolin Creek has several features that make a project like this feasible, and would actually benefit tremendously from the engineering and natural area restoration a greenway would provide. The existing sewer easement along the creek means a path can be designed with a minimum of tree clearing, while the erosion that pedestrian and vehicle traffic are already causing can be improved through bank restoration and keeping pedestrians in designated areas. And luckily, Chapel Hill has already provided us with the opportunity to study potential effects on wildlife and streamflow data— we know that wildlife and streamflow data have been unaffected by a greenway on the very same creek. 

Can’t people already access the Bolin Creek path?

The existing sewer easement poses access problems for many residents, as large rocks and loose soil make the area inaccessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and the vast majority of bicycles. Even active people like joggers and mountain bikers risk injury from uneven and unpredictable terrain that often shifts with the weather. A greenway path would allow all residents to make use of this wonderful natural area, year round, regardless of their age or ability. Our public land should be accessible to the entire public. 

Aren’t there better ways to reduce car traffic and improve bike and pedestrian safety in this area?

No. Other possibilities rely on the state government or outside agencies, cost more money, and are simply not realistic. A bike and pedestrian lane on Seawell School road would require re-grading and expanding the road, and the Town of Carrboro can’t control the timeline of that project even if we receive state funding for it. Using our largest plot of public land with an existing, highly used easement for non-motorized traffic is by far the most cost effective, realistic path to improving safety for students, cyclists, and pedestrians while reducing emissions to some of our highest-traffic destinations.