Exciting New Park “Gateway to the Greenways” Planned for Asheville’s Riverside Drive

Exciting Development in Asheville: Gateway to the Greenways Park

Asheville, NC, is about to see a lovely transformation along Riverside Drive at the Pearson Bridge! A new public park, Gateway to the Greenways, is set to make its debut soon, thanks to the efforts of a local nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the beautiful French Broad River and improving the community’s connection with it.

A Look Back at Riverside Park

To truly appreciate this upcoming park, it’s important to recognize how much history the area carries. The original Riverside Park was a popular destination in Western North Carolina until it tragically fell victim to a fire in 1915 and a flood in 1916. At its prime, the park boasted a vibrant boathouse equipped with a movie screen, a carousel, a lively dance hall, and even animal displays! Electric trolleys brought visitors from downtown and West Asheville, showcasing the area’s lively spirit—all fueled by hydroelectric power sourced directly from the river itself.

After the devastating flood, however, the site fell into neglect. Sadly, it was used as a dumping ground for both locals and the city until a much-needed vision for revitalization emerged.

Gateway to the Greenways Features

The Gateway to the Greenways park, which covers approximately 2 acres, is designed to flow gracefully with its surroundings. Imagine winding pathways, beautiful native plantings, and stunning arched gateways welcoming visitors! A major highlight of this park will be a pavilion reminiscent of the carousel that once delighted visitors in the early 1900s.

A Modern Vision for Tomorrow

Hannah Coats, the land resources manager for RiverLink, notes, “When complete, these improvements will provide an essential link between greenways and river parks in Asheville’s River Arts District and those of the ongoing Woodfin Greenway & Blueway project.” This park is not just a standalone project but part of a larger enhancement for the Riverside Drive corridor, including new bike and pedestrian lanes to encourage safe travel.

Collaborative Efforts for Design

Working with the talented team at Equinox Environmental, the design for Gateway Park emphasizes sustainability and respects the area’s rich history. Megan Foy of Equinox explains, “Our focus for the design of this space is to provide a small pocket park along the larger greenway system that will provide users with the opportunity to experience nature and respite.” The design will incorporate native plant species that thrive in the local climate, which means visitors can expect a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape.

Next Steps Towards Completion

As part of the initial steps, work is set to begin soon to remove invasive plant species from the park area. This step is crucial to ensuring the park’s ecosystem is balanced and healthy, giving the design team a clearer area to work with. “We anticipate the park to be completed and open to the public next summer,” adds Coats. This means that locals and visitors alike will soon have a lovely new spot to enjoy nature, breathe fresh air, and connect with the beautiful river that runs through the heart of Asheville.

For those eager to keep up with this fantastic development in Asheville’s Riverside Drive area, stay tuned as more updates roll out. There’s so much to look forward to with the Gateway to the Greenways park transforming our access to nature and honoring the vibrant history of Riverside Park!