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The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority announced significant funding for two Buncombe County projects following their regular meeting on Aug. 31. Buncombe County, the Town of Woodfin, and RiverLink are excited to report that the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway Project will receive $6 million, bringing this much-anticipated $30 million project on the French Broad River one step closer to completion. The Board also approved $750,000 for Enka Recreation amenities at Buncombe County Sports Park. “Buncombe County is very excited about both project awards,” says District 3 Commissioner Robert Pressley. “These significant pieces of funding will help improve the quality of life for our residents who live and play here while creating recreation destinations that will entice more people to experience all that Buncombe has to offer.”
Woodfin Greenway & Blueway Status
The array of projects that comprise the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway are varied and funded by multiple sources. The $6 million funding award is anticipated to complete the funding needed to complete the parks, greenways, and wave project. “The Town of Woodfin is grateful to the TDA Board and Explore Asheville staff for recognizing the significance of this project. Our community is focused on the health of the French Broad River, and one example of that focus is developing recreation opportunities along Woodfin’s waterfront for community members and visitors alike,” says Shannon Tuch, Woodfin Town Manager. The wave will be constructed simultaneously with an expanded Riverside Park, currently slated for construction beginning in summer of 2023. Greenway construction will follow with completion anticipated in 2025. For a complete overview and timeline visit: https://riverlink.org/projects/woodfin-greenway/
Enka Recreation Destination
The Enka Recreation Destination establishes a dynamic recreation, sports, and greenway destination. Enka merges quality baseball and soccer fields and creates greenway connectivity between Buncombe County Sports Park, Bob Lewis Ball Fields, A-B Tech, Enka Intermediate School, and Enka Commerce Park. The $750,000 funding award is earmarked for a restroom facility and waterline as well as player and visitor amenities that include shade structures and lighting at the Buncombe County Sports Park. “This is really going to be a great benefit to everyone who has spent a Saturday playing ball or soccer at the Sports Park,” adds Pressley. “The additional funding will complement the addition of the three turf fields that will be complete by the end of the calendar year,” notes Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains.