Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

The Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met on September 9, 2026, to discuss various ongoing and upcoming projects related to parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. Key procurement-related topics included updates on capital improvement projects such as the redesign and anticipated October opening of the white water feature at the Ledges, and the approval of preliminary design and engineering for a new 28,000 square foot indoor recreation facility expected to take three years to complete. The board also reviewed progress on greenway projects, including the Highway 251 and Beaverdam Creek sections, with design nearing 90% completion and right-of-way acquisitions underway. Funding discussions highlighted a $1.2 million hazard mitigation grant for multi-park recovery projects addressing flood mitigation and infrastructure restoration post-Hurricane Helen, as well as potential FEMA funding of up to $17.6 million for Charles D Owen Park redevelopment. The board emphasized the importance of the master plans for recreation, open space, and greenways as strategic tools for securing future funding and guiding project implementation. They also discussed the need for improved GIS mapping to support planning and public engagement. No formal votes on contracts or budget allocations were recorded during this meeting, but several action items related to funding applications and project progress were noted.