Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on September 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Kevin Conrecote. The meeting focused on providing updates on ongoing park projects, recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, and the status of various master planning documents. The board’s primary action was the unanimous approval of the minutes and agenda from the previous meeting.

Key Discussions and Project Updates Director Allison Deans provided a comprehensive update on current initiatives, noting that the fiscal year budget process has officially begun. Significant progress was reported on the Ledges Whitewater Park, where staff targeted an October opening for a new wave feature, with a celebration planned pending weather conditions. Regarding the Greenway system, Deans clarified that the Highway 251 section is at 90% design, while the Beaverdam Creek section is at 60%, with easement acquisitions just beginning for the latter. Additionally, preliminary design for a 28,000-square-foot indoor recreation facility at the Buncombe County Sports Park was approved; this two-story structure will serve as the new Recreation Division office and is estimated to take three years to complete.

Helene Recovery and Funding Status Tyler Henry, the Helene Recovery Project Manager, detailed the status of recovery efforts, which include $11.2 million in multi-park recovery projects at Alexander, Lake Julian, and Deerview. These projects aim to restore infrastructure and incorporate flood mitigation, though funding remains pending via Community Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) applications. Henry also discussed the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), through which the county is acquiring properties with significant hazards to keep them as open space. These acquisitions are fully funded by FEMA, and while future park development is not funded by HMGP, it may be pursued through future grants. Potential FEMA Public Assistance funding of up to $17.6 million is currently being pursued for the redevelopment of Charles D. Owen Park.

Public Comment and Community Input During public comment, a resident named Wilson from Woodley requested an update on the Peterdown and Frenchbriar River Greenways, specifically asking if the project was on track for the July 2029 completion goal. Wilson expressed concern that major achievements were being celebrated quietly and requested more public recognition of milestones. While staff did not directly address specific delays during the comment period, Director Deans later clarified that alignments are changing based on topography and environmental studies. Board members also provided feedback on draft master plans, suggesting clearer visualizations and interactive GIS maps, while noting concerns about distinguishing existing trail mileage from bond-funded construction.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Director Deans agreed to send Advisory Board agendas in advance so members can anticipate when items are scheduled for the Board of Commissioners. She also committed to providing an update at the next meeting regarding the status of the Open Space Bond funds, specifically addressing approximately $6 million in unallocated funds. Regarding property acquisitions under the HMGP, staff indicated that details would remain private until all groups are acquired, after which the county will publicly identify properties available for parks or open space. The first round of CDBG-DR applications is due next Wednesday, with a second round anticipated in November or December.