Brief Recap: Unified Design sharing in August
In August, the project team presented the Unified Design Concept for the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery Project to the community. This vision integrates long-term flood resilience, restored recreational amenities, and improved connectivity across the Azalea and Recreation Park corridor. The shared plans highlight unified park spaces, enhanced river access, and modern stormwater protections to ensure long-term stability and usability for residents.
The project team continues to refine the design and make progress toward final plans while working with FEMA to confirm critical federal funding for the project.
Work begins on the Gashes Creek Temporary Bridge
Crews contracted by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), led by Dane Construction, are actively mobilizing near the former Gashes Creek Bridge site to build a temporary crossing. The target completion date for the temporary bridge is early Summer 2027.
Construction Impacts:
- No full road closures are planned.
- No lane closures are permitted during peak weekday commute hours (7:00–8:30 a.m. and 3:30–6:00 p.m.), nor during holiday weekends, special events, or heavy traffic periods.
- When work is taking place on the south side of the river (near the Recreation Park site), closures on Azalea Road should not be required.
- Emergency vehicles will maintain continuous access through the area at all times.
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Azalea Pond fishing platform replaced
State agencies have completed the installation of a new fishing platform at Azalea Pond. The replaced platform restores safe, accessible water access for local anglers and visitors enjoying the park space.
New recreation opportunities at Azalea Park through AVL Unpaved
A 3,600-foot moderately difficult natural surface trail for hiking, biking, and running will officially open in Azalea Park by the end of the month, but locals are invited to explore now. With the trailhead near the Azalea Pond dock, this trail is a great spot to connect with nature inside city limits and features expansive views of the pond and surrounding mountains including Hemphill Knob and Little Cedar Mountain.
Read more about the AVL Unpaved initiative.
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