ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville has invited the community to bring their input on two major riverfront recovery projects, the French Broad Riverfront Parks and Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Project, to an open house early next month.

The open house will be held from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Asheville Middle School, 211 South French Broad Ave.

Parking is available at AMS, which is also accessible on Asheville Rides Transit buses’ S4 route.

If community members are interested but cannot make the meeting, an online survey will be available from Nov. 24-Dec. 19. Additionally, a series of meetings will be held to discuss the French Broad project specifically on Thursday, Dec. 11. Register here.

Riverfront recovery responses

City Communication Specialist Kim Miller issued a press release with more information about the open house.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to meet both of the project teams, learn more about each project’s goals and provide input that will guide design principles moving forward. Activities for children, light refreshments and Spanish language interpretation will be provided,” Miller wrote in the release.

The park projects are currently in the first phase of their design. The design period will last through 2026 and into early 2027, after which a construction timeline will be established.

According to Miller, the Azalea project is spearheaded by OLIN, “an international landscape architecture, comprehensive planning and urban design firm,” while the French Broad project is led by Sasaki, “a global design firm that brings expertise in landscape architecture, architecture, planning and civil engineering.”

“City staff is thrilled to be teaming up with these highly qualified teams and looks forward to working with the community to build two successful projects that revitalize Asheville’s riverfronts,” Miller wrote.