The Town of Woodfin and Buncombe County invites the community to the groundbreaking ceremony for The Whitewater Wave (Taylor’s Wave) and the Riverside Park expansion on June 21 from 4-5 p.m. at 1476 Riverside Drive in Woodfin. The event will feature a tour of the site, an information session on the design and construction process, and speeches from community leaders such as Buncombe County Commissioners Terri Wells and Amanda Edwards.
In 2023, Buncombe County Commissioners approved allocating dollars for the first Open Space Bond project, The Woodfin Greenway and Blueway project, since the bond was approved by voters in 2022, and also approved accepting funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and the Federal Highway Administration. In all, Commissioners approved $18,896,251 for the Woodfin Greenway and Blueway project (WGB). The WGB aims to enhance recreational opportunities and connect communities along the French Broad River.
Key components of the WGB include:
Silver-Line Park: Silver-Line Park opened on April 21, 2022. This park was the first milestone for the WGB project. The park includes river access, a playground, walking trails, and natural and constructed wetlands.
Riverside Park Expansion: Riverside Park was built in 1998. This component of the project includes an expansion of the park southward by approximately 4 acres.
The Wave (Taylor’s Wave): The Whitewater Wave will be an artificial whitewater river wave, suitable for river users with intermediate and advanced skills. This project has received significant financial support from various entities, such as the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Friends of the Woodfin Greenway and Blueway, and additional donations from private parties.
Woodfin Green Highway 251 Section: This segment of the greenway will run along the Highway 251 section of the French Broad River.
Woodfin Greenway Beaverdam Section: This segment of the greenway project extends into the Beaverdam Creek area.
The Woodfin Greenway projects will ultimately connect with Asheville’s greenway system in the River Arts District, including the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, and the French Broad River Greenway West. These projects are being managed by Buncombe County Parks & Recreation.
Taylor’s Wave and the Riverside Park Expansion projects are being managed by the Town of Woodfin, who recently signed a contract with Baker Grading. Construction is set to begin as designs, permits, and funding are aligned.
These projects have received substantial support from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), with a total funding of approximately $8.3 million.
For additional information and background:
Visit the Woodfin Greenway Blueway’s frequently asked questions page.
View a 3-minute video further explaining the Wave here.
Find a complete list of project partners here.
Visit woodfin-nc.gov
Email aisenhower@woodfin-nc.gov.