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GREEN HILLS COUNTY PARK
ONCE A LANDFILL, NOW A PARK FOR ALL TO ENJOY
Ben Wittenberg is the manager of Wake County’s Blue Jay Point Park and Green Hills County Park. Ben graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2002 with a B.S. in Recreation and Resource Management. Shortly after, he relocated to the Raleigh area and within a couple months began working as a seasonal park aide at Lake Crabtree County Park in February 2003. In 2004, he came to Blue Jay Point, first in a Park Technician role, then Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance (2008). In 2015, he assumed the Manager position for both Blue Jay point and Green Hills County Parks. Ben is a certified environmental educator with the State of North Carolina, and a certified playground safety inspector through the National Recreation and Park Association.
Interviewing Ben is Mike Brinchek, vice-president and senior project manager at Smith Gardner, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh. Since graduating from NC State in 1998, he has spent more than two decades specializing in the solid waste industry. He has extensive experience in planning, permitting, and providing engineering design services for a broad spectrum of solid waste projects. His work encompasses traditional landfill development, as well as the design and implementation of other solid waste infrastructure. Mike has served as a board member of the North Carolina Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (NCSWANA), where he served as president of the association from 2017 to 2019 and served as an advisory board delegate and board of director to the SWANA International Board.
Ben, it is certainly a pleasure to talk with you today. The practice of transitioning closed landfills to other beneficial uses once they have reached capacity is a concept that is a win-win for all stakeholders. Wake County’s decision to develop a park on a closed landfill is a perfect example of this process.
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I think we should start by your telling everyone how the park, which was first opened to the public in 2010, was established within the landfill property, a property that actually includes three separate landfills closed at different times. What can you tell us?
Mike, I would be glad to start here, and this is a very good question.
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Well, the site consists of two cells that contain municipal solid waste (MSW), and one that contains construction and demolition debris.
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The oldest landfill cell is located in the northeast and was opened in 1986 as the original MSW depository. It was opened as a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill to serve Wake County’s solid waste disposal needs. However, this was an unlined facility. Due to changes in federal regulations that mandated MSW landfills have a liner under them, closed in 1998.​​
A new, lined MSW landfill cell made of compacted clay, plastic membrane and layer of rock was created adjacent to the old landfill to meet these new regulations. This new cell (The Big Hill) took in much of the County's solid waste until it eventually reached its storage capacity in 2008 and was then closed.
Very interesting, anything else you want to add before we move on?
I will add that this former landfill contains 5 million tons of waste and has one of the highest elevations in the county because the final elevation of the landfill was 452 feet above sea level.
And what would you say makes this park stand out among other Wake County Parks?
Definitely the most unique feature of Green Hills is its land use history. While landfills have long been converted into public spaces, we don’t see much of that here in Wake County. The sheer size of the landfill offers another unique feature as the views from atop the Big Hill are second to none.
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Rising 190 feet above the road beneath, the Big Hill is tall, really, really tall! In fact, it is the highest point in Wake County reaching an elevation of 452 feet! This unique vantage point offers un-paralleled views of the surrounding area including North Hills, mid-town, downtown Raleigh, the Town of Wake Forest, and much more.​
The fall months are a favorite as the City of Oaks displays a vibrant show from above the treetops!
Beyond the county park, other facilities have been constructed on the property as well. Can you tell us about a few?
We do not have solid waste functions located or operating within the footprint of the park. But there are several other facilities that are located adjacent to the park.
The smaller hill just to the west of the Big Hill served as a depository for construction and demolition debris during the same time the MSW landfill (The Big Hill) was operating. The top of this site provides some nice solitude from the more actively used areas of the park and, similar to its larger counterpart, still offers great views of the surrounding area!
There is also a recycling facility for things like tires, motor oil and white goods, and a drop-off center for citizens to dispose of solid waste and other household hazardous wastes. Also, some unrelated county buildings are located there as well.
How is the closed construction and demolition debris landfill site integrated into this park?
You are referring to what is called the C & D hill that now offers both active and passive recreation opportunities to current day visitors.
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There is a walking path to the top which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, particularly in autumn when the surrounding trees put on their show.
There’s also a mountain biking skills course located on the northeast side of the hill allowing users to challenge and improve their cycling skills. Additionally, there’s a paved walking path encircling the entire hill with access points to the rest of the park, the adjacent Falls River neighborhood, and a connection to the Neuse River Greenway.
Ben, can you tell everyone about landfill gas and the systems in place at this facility to collect it? These systems play a critical role, and I think it’s important for everyone to understand its operation.
Yes, and this is very important.
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As one would expect, decomposing materials within the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill create gas as a by-product. Mostly comprised of methane and carbon dioxide, this gas can be used as a fuel source, which is exactly what's occurring here!​​
Perforated well pipes were inserted deep into the closed hill and connected to another system of pipes that lie near the bottom of the cell. A very strong vacuum extracts the gas through these pipes, and after processing to remove liquids, it's sent directly to a nearby pharmaceutical company for use in their manufacturing processes. When the company's supplies are full, or their boilers are not operating, the ever-present LFG is destroyed in the candlestick flare to prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
At the time this site was first developed for solid waste disposal, the general area was sparsely populated. But as this area’s population grew and spread, newer residential and commercial development began to occur around the landfill site. Tell us about the issues that gradually surfaced due to the rapid development - and how these were addressed?
The natural result of a growing population is of course a growing waste stream. The increasing residential and commercial development and the increasing size of the landfill set the stage for a clash of seemingly incompatible land uses.
Then, when the landfill closed and disposal operations ceased, we realized that there might be an opportunity to turn this landfill into a community asset beneficial to a wide range of citizens.
Good information, Ben.​ Closed landfills have often been repurposed for alternate uses. For this site, what steps were taken during the closure planning process to ensure a successful transition? Was there citizen engagement?
Mike, another good question, and I am pleased to tell you that in March 2004 the North Wake Landfill Citizens Committee (NWLFCC) was formed as part of the post-closure planning process.
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The purpose of the NWLFCC was to solicit opinions of the citizens living in the area as to how the site would ultimately be used after it ceased to function as an active municipal solid waste landfill. The NWLFCC met monthly for more than a year to develop and define criteria that would be used to develop a post-closure use Master Plan.
What was the outcome of these meetings and citizen input? Tell us about the final master plan and what went into preparing this document.
The final Master Plan, the result of an involved community planning and design effort, reflects input received throughout the process and addresses regulatory constraints with operating a closed MSW landfill. These efforts came to fruition in July 2010 when the North Wake Landfill District Park officially opened to the public. In April 2018, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to change the park’s name to Green Hills County Park.
The first phase of the land use plan also included the development of an elementary school and an athletic and community recreation complex on the property next to the landfill. The Abbotts Creek Elementary School opened in 2015.
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As an aside, the elementary school and community center property included the old landfill borrow area, where operational and cover soils were taken. In understanding the goal to develop this into a more functional property, the landfill borrow area was developed with the end use in mind.
Other parks, and open spaces have been built on closed landfills. Obviously, this is not a new concept. Where did the inspiration for this particular facility come from?
Closed landfills have long been converted into public spaces of varying degrees across the country and around the world.
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In order to better understand the possibilities of what could occur at our site, members of the Post Closure Master Plan project team actually visited five reclaimed landfill sites in and around the Boston, MA area. The sites they visited were: Danehy Park, Millenium Park, Pope John Paul II Park, Roussel Park and Lincoln Park. Each reclaimed landfill offered the team essential education in what could potentially happen on the North Wake site.
It is great to know that the observations made during the process were helpful in the planning of your park. Lets discuss some of the things that are offered at Green Hills. Can we start with your hiking trails?
Yes, of course.
There are a number of hiking possibilities to be found at Green Hills. The park includes 2 miles of multi-use trails as well as 1 mile of paved asphalt trails, the latter of which connects to the Neuse River Greenway system. Additionally, the paved pedestrian loop around the Big Hill is nearly 1.5 miles.
You mentioned mountain bikes earlier. Can you tell us a little more about these trails?
Of course. Green Hills offers 2 miles of natural tread, multi-use trails in addition to a mountain bike skills area, both of which are co-maintained by park staff and Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, or TORC. TORC assists in maintaining our trails, wood bridges and skills area.
I know my kids have thoroughly enjoyed this park throughout the years. Can you share with the audience what the park offers children?
One of the main attractions at Green Hills is the playground area. Here you’ll find play structures for children that are 2-5 years old and also for those that are 5-12 years old.
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There is also an area dedicated for older children that showcase a climbing net pyramid as well as a climbing wall!
In my experience, landfills – especially closed facilities – provide significant habitat for local wildlife. From your experience, what have you seen? Could you also tell us a little about the different species observed?
Another excellent question, Mike.
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I am pleased to tell you that Green Hills is known to be an excellent location for birding.
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The 73-acre Big Hill is covered in thick grassy vegetation that is a perfect habitat for many insect species, which just happen to be very enticing to our native bird populations! From numerous songbirds, to kestrels, hawks, vultures and more, there are many bird species to be found here.
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Additionally, white-tailed deer, fox, box turtles, beaver and even flying squirrels have been witnessed here. Some of the more unique animals to call this site home can be found in Nance Spring which runs on the Northern edge of the property. Here you’ll find various small fish species, crayfish, turtles, and many aquatic invertebrates.
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For a more thorough list of species that are found here, visit our NRID page at: https://nridwake.com/nrid/public.php
What are some of your general-public programs? How can we learn more?
We have an excellent Family Wildlife Series (FWS): From Landfill to Green Hill.
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If you always wanted to know about how a landfill becomes park, take a short walking tour up the "big hill" and discover the history of how Green Hills came to be. Learn about how to reduce your waste and create a fun recycled craft to take home!
Anything else you want to add here?
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Here are examples of some of the other programs and events we offer:
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Family Bird Hike - It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...wait no it's definitely a bird. Join us as we learn how to identify birds via sight and sound and any other interesting nature that crosses our path on an easy hike at Green Hills County Park. Bring your own binoculars or borrow some we have to scope out nature from a distance.
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Spring Safari - Discover what’s budding, bursting and growing during this springtime walk as we look for spring plants and animals. As we walk, we’ll try our hand at nature journaling to help us further explore the changing season.
Serious Skills for Adults (SSA): Creek Exploration - Creek exploring isn’t just for kids! Leave no stone unturned as we investigate Abbott’s Creek to look for exciting wildlife and plants that call this creek their home. We’ll figure out what are indicators for a healthy aquatic ecosystem and learn how to check water quality using easy, scientific tools. Come prepared for mucking about for this fun creek day!
Some parks rent out some of their facilities or grounds for events like weddings and conferences. Does your park do this?
Green Hills does have a picnic shelter with a 100 person capacity, though it operates on a first come, first served basis. As we manage this park from our home base of Blue Jay Point, we simply do not have the resources necessary to oversee facility reservations.
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The shelter is conveniently located near the playground and restroom building, and it also has a large open play field directly adjacent for all your field game fun!
What about picnic opportunities?
There are picnic tables throughout the property including near the playground, around the smaller C & D hill, at the Sycamore Shelter (first come, first served), and even on top of the Big Hill!
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But please remember that open flames are prohibited due to active collection of landfill gas occurring here.
Are there any restrictions on taking photos?
Professional photographers are required to obtain a (free) permit in order to secure a timeslot for fee-based photography. These permits are available through our website.
Is Geocaching allowed?
Geocaching is allowed in the park. Current caches can be found at geocaching.com.
If you’re interested in placing your own cache, please complete and submit a Geocache Request Form that can be found on our website.
There are certainly a lot of programs, and I know that your website will give us much more information, but are there any fees for your group programs?
No. In general, and across our Division, program offerings are free. The exception is camps that require additional supplies, resources, and staff time.
We all know that all Wake County Parks depend heavily on their professional and competent staff to make our visits safe and informative. What can you tell us about your staff?
Our staff is our most valuable asset, without question. We have 7 full time employees and up to 4 part time staff, depending on the season.
Although we don’t have any facilities dedicated for staff at the site, we are there every day fulfilling operational, maintenance and/or educational responsibilities
Tell us about the role that volunteers may play at your park, and do you currently need volunteers? How does one apply?
We do rely heavily on volunteers to help us maintain the 2 miles of mountain biking trails as well as the skills area near the smaller hill.
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Currently, there are 2 main groups who lead this effort: Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) and the North Wake Trailhawks. If folks are interested in volunteering at Green Hills, please call us at (919) 870-4330 or email at greenhills@wake.gov.
Now if we wanted to spend all or part of the day exploring your park, what would you suggest, and how much time should we plan on spending there? Include time for a picnic lunch if there are places to have it.
I would start by parking in the front lot and taking the pedestrian loop to Top of the Hill Trail to take in all the spectacular views afforded up there. Then, I would explore the smaller C & D Hill and its surroundings including the multi-use trails that provide access to Nance Spring. From there, it may be time for a snack or restrooms, so the playground/shelter area would be most suitable with available restrooms and drinking water. I would plan for 2-3 hours to explore the site.
Ben, with so much to enjoy at this park, are there any fees that visitors should be aware of?
No. There are no fees associated with this park.
What does the future hold for Green Hills County Park?
As preparation for the 2018 Parks, Recreation & Open Space bond referendum, we revisited the master plan and developed several new ideas we hope to bring to life in the coming years. While potential projects and priorities are likely to change some by then, the current list includes an accessible trail to the Top of the Hill, public art displays, a nature play area, playground, shade structures and increased parking capacity!
Is there anything else you want to add before we leave you?
We have what I feel is an excellent StoryMap tour that was created just for this park. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more about this remarkable transition from a landfill to a Wake County Park.
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Go here to see it!
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c32e8397ffbd4c8ba72eaf2ac3d54643
Ben, I know that my family and I have thoroughly enjoyed Green Hills Park over the years, and I hope this discussion helps others gain a deeper appreciation of all this park has to offer. Having participated in its development—first as a landfill and later as a park— it has been an incredible experience, and it’s amazing to see how the collective efforts of project stakeholders, the community and the County have transformed this site into a safe and enjoyable community asset. I encourage everyone reading this to visit Green Hills Park and witness firsthand how a closed landfill can be reimagined into a vibrant public space.
GREEN HILLS COUNTY PARK
​PARK GROUNDS HOURS: 8am – Sunset (7 days a week)
CONTACT: 919-870-4330 - greenhills@wake.gov