News Summary
A new fenced dog park has opened in Riverbend Park, Asheville, providing local dogs with a safe recreational space after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage. Launched as a collaboration between the City of Asheville and Mission Health, the park features areas for large and small dogs and is accessible daily. The grand opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and activities for dog lovers, emphasizing community support and resilience in rebuilding after the hurricane.
New Dog Park Opens in Asheville Following Hurricane Helene Damage
A new fenced dog park has officially opened in Riverbend Park, Asheville, providing a much-needed recreational space for local canine companions after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene nearly ten months prior. The park, which was launched on Tuesday, is a collaborative project between the City of Asheville and Mission Health.
Located off Swannanoa River Road and adjacent to Walmart at 100 Bleachery Boulevard, the park’s establishment comes as a direct response to the significant damage inflicted on the Azalea and French Broad River dog parks during the hurricane. City officials recognized the lack of off-leash spaces following the storm and worked promptly to create a new facility that meets the community’s needs.
Community Celebration and Features
The grand opening event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as various activities to celebrate the park’s launch. Attendees enjoyed a selfie station, caricature drawings, and giveaways, creating a festive atmosphere for dog lovers and their pets. Additionally, several adoptable dogs from Mountain Pet Rescue were present, highlighting the community’s commitment to animal welfare.
The new Riverbend Dog Park includes designated areas for both large and small dogs, ensuring safety and comfort for all pets. The park is accessible to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing dog owners to enjoy quality time with their pets throughout the day.
Recovery Efforts and Community Support
City officials have emphasized the importance of providing off-leash spaces for dogs and their owners, particularly in light of the recent challenges faced by the area. The park features temporary fencing, marking it as a temporary initiative as part of the ongoing recovery efforts following the hurricane’s damage.
Bridget Herring, the City of Asheville’s Recovery Coordinator, spoke to the community’s resilience and collaborative spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges brought about by Hurricanes and other infrastructure issues, the community has come together to provide essential services and enhance local amenities.
Background on Hurricane Helene Impact
Hurricane Helene struck the region nearly ten months ago, leaving a trail of destruction that affected various public facilities, including dog parks. The swift response team from the City of Asheville and local health organizations demonstrated their commitment to rebuilding community resources and creating safe spaces for residents and their pets.
The closing of the Azalea and French Broad River dog parks left many pet owners searching for alternatives, creating a pressing need for new recreational facilities. The establishment of the Riverbend Dog Park represents a significant step forward in addressing this need and reinvigorating community engagement.
Overall, the opening of the new dog park in Asheville is a positive sign of recovery and community collaboration, allowing pet owners to provide a healthy and enjoyable environment for their dogs. Through this new facility, the City of Asheville aims to strengthen communal ties while supporting public health and well-being in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Riverbend Dog Park Grand Opening
- MSN: Temporary Dog Park Opens in Asheville
- AVLtoday: Dog-Friendly Businesses in Asheville
- WLOS: Temporary Dog Park Asheville
- Google Search: Dog Parks in Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
