Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting: March 25, 2025

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: March 25, 2025

The Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Advisory Board convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss ongoing recovery efforts from the recent hurricane and outline plans for future park improvements. The meeting was well-attended, featuring updates from Parks and Recreation staff and focused on addressing the significant challenges presented by the storm while reaffirming the Board's commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on assessing and responding to the widespread damage caused by the hurricane. Staff detailed extensive devastation across several parks, including a substantial loss of land at Alexander River Park and the near-total destruction of Owen Park. Other parks like Glenbridge and Lake Julian also sustained damage, requiring coordinated debris removal efforts with agencies such as FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers. The Board unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting in September, acknowledging the groundwork laid before the hurricane’s impact. Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of Parks and Recreation staff during the emergency, Board members offered heartfelt praise for their dedication and quick response in reassigning all employees to support emergency services.

Beyond immediate recovery, the Board engaged in discussions about long-term planning and future initiatives. A key focus was restarting the System-Wide Master Planning process, ensuring community input is incorporated to address evolving needs in a post-hurricane landscape. Greenway projects, temporarily paused due to FEMA priorities, were also discussed, with planners outlining the challenges related to funding and design adjustments necessary to account for storm damage. Positive news arrived regarding the Deep View grant, with staff anticipating final application submission soon – a promising step towards expanding recreational opportunities. Updates were also provided on ongoing projects like the Malcolm County Sports Park turf field construction and ADA playground upgrades, demonstrating a continued commitment to improving existing facilities.

While no formal public comments were received during the meeting, Board members acknowledged and appreciated the community’s unwavering support for Buncombe County parks. The Board concluded with several key action items, signaling a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead. These include planning a Board retreat to strategize engagement methods and prioritize future initiatives, including the implementation of the revised System-Wide Master Plan. Specific outreach efforts are planned for Owen Park, given its extensive damage and the need to explore potential redesign options. Staff will also continue pursuing funding for Greenway project adjustments, finalize and submit the Deep View grant application, and maintain support for core programming initiatives like Special Olympics and senior recreational activities. Finally, ongoing coordination with FEMA will remain a priority to secure funding for park restoration projects.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 13th at the West Asheville Library, providing an opportunity for residents to stay informed and engaged in shaping the future of Buncombe County’s parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. This meeting underscored a collective determination to rebuild and enhance the County’s park system, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital resource for residents well into the future.