Asheville Riverfront parks Recovery: A Community update
The City of Asheville is undertaking significant recovery and rebuilding efforts for parks and infrastructure damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. The storm caused catastrophic damage, submerging over 200 acres of parks, recreation facilities, and the greenway network along the French Broad River, as well as impacting areas along the Swannanoa River and Azalea Road.Two projects – one focused on the French Broad Riverfront and another on Azalea Road – aim to restore these vital community spaces.
Currently, both projects are in the initial design phase, with a consolidated public engagement effort underway to gather input on community needs. A series of focused discussions specifically for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Project will be held on December 11th. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to register on the project page: https://publicinput.com/w08774#tab-72037, as capacity is limited.
The City is committed to a transparent process, emphasizing open dialog and celebrating progress with the community. Input gathered during this initial stage will be summarized and shared in early 2026. Further opportunities for public input will be offered as the projects move through subsequent design phases.
Cost recovery for these projects will be pursued primarily through federal disaster relief programs. The design phase for both projects is expected to continue through 2026 and into early 2027,followed by a phased construction approach with a timeline yet to be determined. Throughout construction,the City aims to maximize public access to the spaces,possibly reopening stabilized areas temporarily.
Leading the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Project is OLIN, an international landscape architecture and urban design firm (https://www.theolinstudio.com/). The French Broad Riverfront Parks Project is being led by sasaki, a global design firm specializing in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, and civil engineering (https://www.sasaki.com/). City staff express enthusiasm for collaborating with these firms and the community to revitalize AshevilleS riverfronts.
