Submitted by Ridgeloch Townhomes Homeowner’s Association
The Raleigh Parks Department, after a seven-year silence, has returned to an agenda to abandon the two iconic bridges on Mine Creek Trail’s Ironwood section, which cross over Mine Creek.
This 300-yard section between the two bridges would be changed to a straight path on the opposite side of Mine Creek. In doing so, not only will the bridges that provide tranquility and visual beauty over the Mine Creek be destroyed, but the City will take land from the adjacent Home Owner’s Association, placing the trail just 30-50 feet behind 14 townhomes. This affordable housing community’s sense of peace and tranquility will be destroyed along with the bridges.
Raleigh residents have expressed that the bridges are the best part of the Mine Creek Trail, which many walk or bike on a daily basis. The loss of the experience of the bridges will be a loss for all of Raleigh, including its history. This section is a part of the original Greenway System that opened in 1976 and was intended to provide the City’s trail users with a unique tranquil experience that so many do not want to lose.
Although this solution would be cheaper and simpler, it would wipe out this historic landmark, the first trail on the Raleigh Greenway system, which opened in 1976.
The Parks Advisory Board could advise the City Council to save this section of Ironwood by restructuring the trail to meet current codes and keeping these historic landmarks in their present location. These bridges have been a source of pride for the Greenway for almost 50 years and are truly worth saving.
Trail users who wish to see these bridges remain a part of Mine Creek Trail, please contact the Parks Board or any Parks Board member at prcontact@raleighnc.gov. Attend and speak at the May 18 Parks & Recreation meeting at 22 W. Hargett Street, Suite 608 Email Ridgeloch.test@gmail.com for more information.
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