Richmond Hill Park, a rare oasis in Asheville’s city limits, will partially reopen for public use this weekend.
At more than 180 acres, it’s the largest city-owned park in town, offering a maze of hiking and mountain bike trails, a disc golf course, and occasional glimpses of the French Broad River rushing through the valley below.
Since Hurricane Helene, the park has been closed due to heavy storm damage. After more than a year of debris cleanup, and addressing hundreds of fallen trees, the park will partially reopen to the public on Saturday, Oct. 11.
The majority of hiking trails will be open, with the exception of the “Brown Trail” and some of the creek and stream crossings. Richmond Hill’s disc golf course is expected to reopen next weekend, Saturday, Oct. 25, with 16 of the 18 holes returning.
Other park amenities, including the restrooms and bike course, are still undergoing repairs.
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D. Tyrell McGirt, the city’s Parks and Recreation Director, described Richmond Hills’ reopening as “a significant step forward for our community.”
He added, “We know how much this park means to Asheville residents, and this phased approach allows us to restore access to this treasured green space for the first time in many months.”
Azalea and French Broad River Park remain closed
Citywide, most parks have reopened, including Amboy Riverfront Park, Craven Street Trailhead Park, Jean Webb Park, Pearson Bridge River Access Area, and the Craven Street Bridge Boating Access Area.
Portions of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway and French Broad River Greenway are also accessible, along with some areas in Carrier Park, including the picnic shelter and wetlands education center.
City officials expect French Broad River Park and Azalea Park to remain closed for several more years as they undergo more complicated repairs.
The prolonged timeline is due to the “extensive FEMA processes” that the city must follow to secure federal funding for its infrastructure, according to city spokesperson Christo Bubenik.
City officials previously stated it will take up to six years for the full Azalea Park repair (which includes the Azalea Dog Park) – along with other work at Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam, Recreation Park and pool, and the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex.
There is no timeline for the French Broad River Park repairs to be completed. In the meantime, the city has opened a temporary dog park in East Asheville, which will stay open until the French Broad park returns.
The city warns that some reopened areas may still contain hazards. Visitors are encouraged to pay attention to signage and barriers and to check for updates.
Helen Chickering contributed to this report.
