News Summary
Asheville is taking significant steps to recover its riverfront parks and recreational spaces devastated by Hurricane Helene. With an estimated $25 million in damage, the city is calling for talented designers to help reshape the riverfront into a more resilient and accessible area for the community. A Request for Qualifications has been issued, and the design process is set to begin, emphasizing community input and collaboration with FEMA to ensure effective recovery and revitalization for the beloved French Broad River.
Asheville Tackles Riverfront Recovery After Hurricane’s Wrath
Asheville is rolling up its sleeves and diving back into action as it seeks to revive its cherished parks system along the beautiful French Broad River. The city is calling on talented designers to bring their creativity and vision to the table, helping to reshape the riverfront into a space that is not just stunning but also more resilient and accessible for everyone.
A Storm’s Aftermath
The push for reconstruction comes on the heels of devastating flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene back in September 2024. The storm unleashed its fury upon the area, wreaking havoc and leading to an astonishing estimated $25 million worth of destruction across public parks, greenways, and recreational facilities along the river. From the western city limits downstream from Hominy Creek to just below the Jeff Bowen Bridge (I-240), the damage has been formidable.
The designated project area stretches an impressive five miles of riverfront on both sides, making it a hefty undertaking as the city looks to restore and improve the ecological landscape of Asheville’s beloved riverbanks.
Let the Design Bidding Begin!
As part of its recovery effort, Asheville is in the initial stages of planning and recently issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services. City officials anticipate that they will have a design team in place by fall 2024, setting the wheels in motion for what is projected to be an extensive recovery process lasting well over two years.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to shoulder the full scope of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which not only impacted parks and recreation areas but left an overall damage estimate for city-owned property at a staggering $1 billion. With about 200 acres of public parks and recreation areas affected, the task ahead is both crucial and complex.
Community Matters
Asheville’s recovery team is keen on weaving community input into the design process. They have gathered insights through the Helene Recovery Priorities Survey and public engagement activities connected to the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Action Plan. This collaboration will ensure that the final design reflects the vision and desires of local residents.
Partnering with FEMA
A big part of moving forward includes working alongside FEMA to catalog the damages and identify the specific needs for the project. City officials will be negotiating costs after the designs are finalized, making fiscal responsibility a priority during this recovery phase.
Steps on the Road to Recovery
The recovery process is a multifaceted one, and the city recognizes that the planning stage is a critical milestone towards rebuilding from the storm’s impact. With an enthusiastic and experienced design team set to lead the charge, the community can look forward to an empowered and refreshed riverfront that aligns with both environmental needs and recreational desires.
Looking Ahead
As Asheville embarks on this important journey of revitalizing its riverside parks, residents can stay hopeful and engaged in the process. This project is not just about fixing what was damaged; it’s about creating a vibrant and welcoming riverfront space for the entire community to enjoy now and for years to come. With dedication and innovation, Asheville is gearing up to turn a difficult chapter into a bright new beginning along the French Broad River.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville City Parks Rebuild Helene Damaged by Hurricane
- Spectrum Local News: City of Asheville Seeks Designers for Riverfront Parks
- Trib Papers: Carrier Park Unveils New Playground
- Wikipedia: French Broad River
- Google Search: Asheville Parks Rebuilding Hurricane Helene
