Buncombe County completes emergency riverbank repairs and plans for Riverside Park upgrades

The Woodfin Park and Greenway Advisory Committee has made significant strides in improving local parks and greenways, as discussed in their recent meeting on May 14, 2025. A key highlight was the completion of emergency repairs to the riverbank at Riverside Park, which involved 340 feet of restoration work. This project, executed by Baker Grading, has transformed the area, making it more resilient against future erosion.

Committee members expressed satisfaction with the repairs, noting the aesthetic improvements and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the riverbank. However, challenges remain with FEMA's classification of the repairs as permanent rather than temporary, complicating funding and approval processes. The committee is navigating these complexities to ensure that the repairs meet both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.

In addition to the riverbank repairs, the committee is awaiting FEMA's response regarding a separate application for further enhancements at Riverside Park, including the restoration of walking trails, restrooms, and picnic areas damaged by recent storms. Plans are also in place to upgrade the pavilion, replacing a gazebo that was washed away.

The timeline for these projects is optimistic, with hopes to complete the wave structure by the end of this year and begin construction on the park's land section in early 2026. The committee aims to ensure that the new infrastructure aligns with the planned Greenway, which will connect Riverside Park to Silver Line Park.

Silver Line Park itself is also undergoing assessment for repairs, with applications submitted to FEMA for necessary restorations. The committee is working diligently to secure funding and finalize designs, with construction bids expected to be solicited by the end of summer.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing Woodfin's parks and greenways, ensuring they are not only restored but improved for future generations. As these projects progress, the community can look forward to more accessible and resilient recreational spaces.