Asheville – The City of Asheville, in collaboration with HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, opened a temporary dog park at Riverbend Park, providing a vital space for dogs and their owners following the closure of local parks due to Tropical Storm Helene. The new facility, located at 100 Bleachery Blvd., features separate areas for large and small dogs and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Community Commitment to Recovery
Bridget Herring, the City of Asheville Recovery Coordinator, emphasized the importance of off-leash spaces for the community. “We understand how important these off-leash spaces are for our community’s dogs and their owners,” she stated. Herring highlighted that the park’s establishment is not just about repairing what was damaged but also about fostering hope and resilience within the community. “We are not only partnering to focus on fixing what was broken; rather, we are reestablishing hope of what’s possible for our community when we collectively show up with strength and purpose.”
The temporary dog park serves as an interim solution while the city works on repairing the infrastructure of popular dog parks in Azalea Park and French Broad River Park, which were severely impacted by flooding in September. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to community recovery and support.
Support from HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health
HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health played a crucial role in making the temporary dog park a reality. Greg Lowe, President of HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, expressed pride in supporting the local community during challenging times. “For the past several months, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our Western North Carolina community – repairing, rebuilding and restoring our home,” he said. Lowe added that the new dog park provides a safe environment for families and pets to gather, reinforcing their commitment to community well-being. “At HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, our focus remains clear – finding meaningful ways to help our community thrive and creating a healthier tomorrow for us all.”
The grand opening of the temporary dog park is set for Tuesday, July 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring activities such as a selfie station, giveaways for both dogs and humans, caricature drawings, and opportunities to adopt pets from Mountain Pet Rescue.
Asheville residents are encouraged to visit the new park and participate in the grand opening festivities. For more information about Asheville’s storm recovery efforts, residents can visit ashevillerecovers.org.