Asheville –
The City of Asheville took a significant step forward in its recovery efforts by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services aimed at rebuilding storm-damaged parks and infrastructure along Azalea Road. This initiative, announced on May 14, 2025, marks the beginning of a comprehensive design plan to restore the area known as “Asheville’s Playground,” which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
Restoration Plans for Recreation Facilities
Hurricane Helene inflicted an estimated $25 million in damages to the recreation facilities and transportation infrastructure along the Swannanoa River and Azalea Road. The project will address several key City-owned assets, including the Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam, Recreation Park—which features a public swimming pool and bathhouse—the Outdoor Recreation Facility, the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex Building, Azalea Road East, and the Azalea Dog Park.
City officials emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the project. Kim Miller, Communication Specialist for the City of Asheville, stated, “The RFQ process seeks to engage an experienced design team to develop a thorough design plan… including cost estimates for projects identified through engagement with residents, stakeholder groups, and partner agencies.” This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the new design reflects the needs and desires of the community.
The RFQ was informed by feedback from the Helene Recovery Priorities Survey and public engagement surrounding the City’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan. As the project progresses, more opportunities for community input will be made available.
Funding and Timeline for Recovery
Funding for this ambitious project will primarily come from federal disaster relief programs, particularly the FEMA Public Assistance Program and supplemental funding from the CDBG-DR program. Additional funding sources may include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and local capital funds.
The City anticipates selecting a design team by fall 2025, with the design and public engagement process expected to take two years. Construction is projected to begin shortly thereafter, with completion anticipated by 2031. Throughout this timeline, public access to various amenities will be maximized, allowing residents to enjoy as many facilities as possible during the recovery process.
In relation to the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex, which is under a lease agreement with the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA), it is expected that maintenance and repair of fields will continue under ABYSA’s responsibility. The City is working closely with ABYSA to ensure quality fields are available for recreational and tournament soccer, with fields likely opening for use well before the overall recovery project is completed.
The City of Asheville is strategically sequencing recovery projects to ensure an efficient rebuilding process. The launch of the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project follows previous RFQ postings for rebuilding efforts along the French Broad Riverfront, repairs to the Municipal Golf Course, and improvements to water treatment plants. Smaller repairs are also being made to other City-owned parks, streets, and facilities, including roof repairs to the Municipal Building and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Miller noted that “the integration of these initiatives ensures a coordinated effort to strengthen Asheville’s infrastructure and economic stability.” This holistic approach aims not only to recover from recent storm damage but also to enhance the resilience of Asheville’s infrastructure for future challenges.
Asheville residents are encouraged to stay informed about the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project by subscribing on the project page. Input from community members has been instrumental in shaping the City’s recovery strategy, and opportunities for further engagement will continue throughout the recovery process.
For more information on Asheville’s storm recovery efforts, residents can visit ashevillerecovers.org.
The City of Asheville has embarked on a significant project to rebuild storm-damaged recreation facilities along Azalea Road, with a focus on community engagement and strategic funding sources.