ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is asking residents to take another look at plans for the redesign of Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa.
The county has opened an online survey asking for feedback on the final draft design. The survey is open through Thursday, Sept. 10.
That input will be used to make final changes before the design goes to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for approval.
Hundreds of residents have participated in the planning process over the past several months. Community members shared ideas and reviewed two design concepts in June before the project team developed the current draft.
Owen Park has been closed since Tropical Storm Helene devastated the property in September 2024.
The park suffered the worst storm damage of any Buncombe County park. Floodwaters from the Swannanoa River destroyed the fishing ponds and changed the river’s path through the park. Fields, pavilions, playground equipment and other infrastructure also were heavily damaged. The flooding significantly changed the landscape and affected the stability of parts of the property.
The county is approaching the project in two phases. The first phase, led by Hoerr Schaudt, has included land surveys, site inventories and planning for stormwater management and riverbank restoration. Community input has been incorporated alongside work involving landscape design, engineering, sustainability and accessibility.
The second phase will include detailed construction documents, permitting, a public bidding process and construction of the redesigned park.
For now, the county is asking residents to weigh in on the draft before the design is finalized.
The online survey is available through Sept. 10. A virtual review of the design also is available for people who could not attend Thursday’s workshop.