County accepts $300,000 Helene Recovery Fund subaward for Family Central splash pad and park amenities

Parks and recreation staff told the board on May 4 that Ashe County secured a $300,000 suballocation from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Helene Recovery Fund for a splash pad, shelter and playground at Family Central. Staff asked the commission to accept the grant and the board approved the acceptance by motion.

Parks Director Kevin Anderson described a preferred site near the new concession stand and said the splash pad would be approximately 50 by 30 feet (about 1,500 square feet). He said the splash pad would operate seasonally—likely from Memorial Day to Labor Day in Ashe County's climate—and would drain to town water and sewer, not a regenerating system. The project will also include a 40-by-40 shelter and a toddler-focused playground area to complement existing larger playground equipment.

Anderson said the suballocation came from a $4 million pool divided among impact counties and that Ashe County's $300,000 award is a significant result of staff efforts. The grant requires a local match and a three-year spending window; Anderson and staff said they expect to stagger spending across budget cycles and tentatively plan to complete construction around 2028.

Why it matters: The splash pad and associated amenities are designed to add family-oriented recreation in a county with limited year-round warm weather. Staff noted considerations including water usage estimates from neighboring counties (about 1.2 million gallons annually for a similarly sized pad) and site utility connections; commissioners discussed drought contingencies and a timer/system controls to limit unintended use.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with vendor selection and material ordering; the board approved accepting the grant and asked staff to return with construction timelines and budget details.