Buncombe Pursues Federal Funds for Acquisition of Deaverview Mountain as a Public Park

Buncombe Pursues Federal Funds for Acquisition of Deaverview Mountain as a Public Park

Where the path diverged just before the summit, only an arrow on a white index card pointed the way. Going the other direction would take you to the Spivey Mountain cell towers and a trek along the ridgeline, but following the rough trail marker a few hundred feet landed you at the mountaintop bald and a breathtaking view.

It’s the zenith of a 342-acre parcel atop Deaverview Mountain, currently being explored as the potential site of a future county park. The park would preserve the property for passive recreation, ensuring the conservation of the iconic summit overlooking downtown Asheville, Buncombe County, and the mountains beyond.

Federal Grant Application

At its April 2 meeting, Buncombe County Commissioners voted to be the primary applicant for a $4.4 million federal grant that, if acquired, would commit the county to develop Deaverview Mountain into a Buncombe County public park. “I’m very excited. I think it’s an amazing opportunity,” said the county’s Parks and Recreation Director Allison Dains immediately following the vote.

“It will be the largest Buncombe County park, it is the preservation of an amazing piece of property … the opportunities are endless.” She noted it will allow for more equitable access to outdoor spaces, located within an underserved population and census tract, and various amenities, from better air quality to health and wellness opportunities.

Conservation Efforts

The property is privately owned by a conservation-minded buyer who bought it for $7.3 million after it went up for sale last March. They are holding it temporarily to give the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, an Asheville-based nonprofit land trust, time to work out a permanent conservation solution.

With only three years to purchase the ridgeline, a condition laid out in an option agreement signed by the SAHC, the land trust is looking to partner with Buncombe County — a joint venture made possible by an April 2023 vote that provided initial direction for collaborative exploratory support with SAHC. The estimated total cost of purchase is $8.8 million with a deadline of March 2026.

Funding and Timeline

In November, SAHC was awarded $4.37 million from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund for the conservation of the property. These funds would be leveraged for a one-to-one match with the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant dollars, which would complete the amount needed for the property’s purchase.

After some discussion on April 2, county commissioners voted 5-0 to become the primary applicant for the grant. Chair Brownie Newman highlighted the benefits of the project and the public support behind it. The deadline for the grant application is April 30.

Community Support

Several public commenters spoke in favor of the project, emphasizing the environmental and cultural significance of preserving Deaverview Mountain as a public park. The park would offer public access to a cherished piece of property that has long been privately owned.

Park Development

If established, the park on Deaverview Mountain would provide a new outdoor recreation space for Buncombe County residents. The three-year development timeline would include planning and construction to open the park to the public.

Conclusion

As Buncombe County pursues federal funds for the acquisition of Deaverview Mountain, the potential for a new county park with scenic views and recreational opportunities is on the horizon. The project aims to provide equitable access to outdoor spaces and preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations.