ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is moving ahead with a series of major park repairs and upgrades following extensive storm damage and long-planned improvements, county officials said this week.
The Board of Commissioners approved a $448,980 contract with Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture for the first phase of the Charles D. Owen Park rebuild. The park suffered severe damage during Tropical Storm Helene, which shifted the Swannanoa River’s course into the property.
Phase one will include community engagement, environmental assessments and engineering work focused on stabilization and resilience. Design development will follow, with completion expected by August 2026.
At Buncombe County Sports Park, commissioners approved a $3.86 million contract with Astro Turf, LLC, to install turfed and lighted fields and create an accessible walking path. The project, expected to be finished by May 2026, will upgrade fields 3, 4 and 5 to allow for longer playing hours, fewer weather-related cancellations and reduced injury risk. The contract represents part of Phase II of the Enka Recreation Destination Project, which is largely funded by Tourism Product Development Fund grants.
Additional elements of the project — including a park ranger office, universal playground, shelter and contact station — will be handled under a separate contract. Construction on those features is expected to begin in October 2026. New sports and exercise equipment has already been installed at the park.
The county also issued requests for qualifications for storm-damage assessments at Alexander River Park and Karpen Fields. Staff members are reviewing applicants to determine what will be required to rebuild both parks to pre-Helene conditions.
At Lake Julian Park, an RFQ has been issued for replacing the Fisherman’s Trail bathroom. The selected contractor will demolish the current structure and install a prefabricated restroom.
County officials said updates on open and closed parks are available on the Buncombe County website.