Swannanoa’s Charles D. Owen Park, a community staple, may see a revival as residents urge Buncombe County officials to prioritize its restoration. The park has been shuttered since Tropical Storm Helene wreaked havoc on its facilities in 2024.
Once a cherished gathering spot, Owen Park features walking paths, fishing ponds, and sports facilities. Jerald Pope, a local resident, reflected on its significance: “We walked there ‘most every day, met hundreds of people.” The park’s proximity to the Swannanoa River made it particularly vulnerable during the storm.
During a public hearing, residents supported the county’s bid for $24 million in federal disaster relief funds. According to county grants manager Tyler Henry, $11 million of these funds would be allocated for repairs to Owen Park and other parks affected by the storm, including Alexander Park and Lake Julian Park.
“It’s a place where people had their birthday celebrations and bird watching. They learned to ride bikes. People were fishing,” stated Rebecca Williams, highlighting the park’s role as a communal space. Liesl Erb added, “It was a magical place and I think it can be even more magical.”
The county’s efforts to reimagine and rebuild Owen Park are ongoing, with a final design draft scheduled for presentation on August 27.
Additionally, the county is planning a $100,000 state-funded feasibility study for a greenway project that could integrate Owen Park into the Fonta Flora State Trail. The trail aims to connect Morganton and Asheville.
Bent Creek Development
In Bent Creek, Buncombe County is eyeing a mixed-use development on a 137-acre plot. The project seeks to replace rental units lost to Helene, with over half of the 650 planned units meeting affordable housing criteria, as noted by Assistant County Manager Tim Love.
Lennie’s Law for Cyclist Safety
The commissioners endorsed Lennie’s Law to create designated bicycle safety zones. This initiative follows a tragic incident where two cyclists were killed by a truck on N.C. 251. John Dennis, president of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, emphasized the need for increased safety measures, stating, “Anything that we can do to tone down the unsafe driving of the minority … would be an enormous win for safety.”
Other County Decisions
- Supported UNC Health’s plan for a new hospital in Asheville, amidst competition from other health systems.
- Approved a $1.6 million design contract for a new indoor recreation center at Buncombe County Sports Park.
- Agreed on an $85,000 economic grant for Southeastern Container to expand its operations, with additional state funding.
- Rezoned 6.8 acres from commercial to residential, despite floodplain concerns near Asheville East KOA Holiday campground.
- Heard Swannanoa residents’ complaints about flood issues linked to clogged culverts on state roads.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convenes on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 200 College St., Room 326, Asheville, beginning at 5 p.m. For more details, see the full meeting recording and agenda documents from the August 18 meeting.
