The Town of Waynesville council moved Oct. 15 to recommend awarding a professional services contract to Withers Ravenel to prepare a parks and recreation master plan, at a proposed cost of $82,000.

Luke Kinsley, director of parks and recreation, said the town received a $75,000 Tourism Development Authority (TDA) grant and local contributions to fund the study and its public engagement plan. Withers Ravenel representatives described a scope that emphasizes public engagement, asset inventories, funding strategy and a multi‑year implementation schedule.

The firm said it will use a proprietary asset collection tool to inventory park facilities, identify gaps in access and prioritize projects for funding opportunities. Withers Ravenel also said it has an in‑house funding team to pursue federal and state grants; the firm noted experience assisting local governments with Helene recovery grants and other funding sources.

Council members asked about steering‑committee membership and public outreach; staff said invitations will be sent to a representative steering committee and that fixed public engagement dates are part of the proposed schedule. The council approved a motion recommending award of the contract and authorized staff to execute the agreement consistent with North Carolina procurement statutes.

Votes at a glance: Council recommended award of contract to Withers Ravenel in the amount of $82,000 and authorized staff to execute related documents; motion passed by voice vote in the meeting.