As Buncombe County gears up to enhance its greenway system, the long-anticipated development of 4.7 miles along the French Broad River and Beaverdam Creek in Woodfin is set to progress, marking a significant step toward improved recreational infrastructure.
County parks and recreation director Allison Dains announced to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners that both sections of the greenway are expected to be completed by summer 2029. “We’re in go-time and really excited to move into right-of-way,” she stated.
On Tuesday, the Board approved an amendment to a 2017 agreement with Woodfin, assigning maintenance and ownership of the greenways to the town once finished. The agreement includes enhancements at town parks along the route, like restroom construction at Silver-Line Park and the completion of Taylor’s Wave, a whitewater feature currently under construction.
The greenway will consist of 2.4 miles parallel to the river from the Broadway/Riverside Drive intersection to The Mill at Riverside, with another 1.3 miles extending east from Riverside Drive and Elk Mountain Road to Merrimon Avenue. However, a 0.4-mile gap near The Mill at Riverside remains unresolved, potentially becoming a separate project due to challenges posed by Helene, which caused erosion and unstable riverbanks.
The county must negotiate easements with around 22 property owners, a process anticipated to last a year. Construction bids are targeted for fall 2027.
Commissioner Drew Ball commended the county staff’s efforts, acknowledging the project’s long journey and the challenges faced, including those from Helene.
Since a 2012 master plan outlined 102 miles of greenway, progress has been slow. However, the Woodfin project, alongside existing and planned greenways by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, aims to create a nearly continuous path from Hominy Creek River Park in West Asheville to the Mill at Riverside. NCDOT’s planned greenway will integrate with the Woodfin section near Broadway’s northern end, stated spokesperson Stephanie Johnson.
County Reconsiders Enka Trail Route
Buncombe County is reevaluating the path for a proposed greenway in Enka. The new route for the Enka Heritage Trail would stretch from Buncombe County Sports Park to near Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School, utilizing county and school-owned land.
Initially planned beside Hominy Creek, the route shift comes after the nonprofit landowner demanded substantial payment for property use, despite prior commitments. The proposed alternative will feature several switchbacks to manage elevation differences, according to a conceptual plan.
The Enka Youth Sports Organization, which operates Bob Lewis Ballpark, has requested $1.6 million for 51 acres, though the county values the land at approximately $635,000 due to flood risks and environmental concerns. Commissioners and residents expressed frustration over the nonprofit’s demands, citing previous easement agreements.
Commissioner Terri Wells remarked, “It feels to me as if they’re trying to take advantage of the taxpayers of Buncombe County.”
Additional County Developments
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The county accepted a $284,368 state grant for boat launch construction at Bent Creek River Park, Glen Bridge River Park, and Hominy Creek River Park. The county will match this with funds from its resources and FEMA. These launches will improve access for boaters, as current access involves challenging embankments, explained Joseph Guseman, county parks division manager.
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A $2.2 million contract was approved for design services to transform the former JC Penney building at Asheville Mall into the county Emergency Operations Center.
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A $40,000 grant was accepted to acquire laptop computers and equipment, facilitating computer training at county libraries and remote sites.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convenes every first and third Tuesday at 200 College St., Room 326, Asheville, starting at 5 p.m. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18. Access the full recording and documents from the Aug. 4 meeting and preceding informal briefing.
