City Council Approves Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery Project Phase 2 of Design Contract
At their October 14 meeting, City Council adopted a resolution to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for design and engineering services to rebuild recreation facilities and transportation infrastructure along Azalea Road and the Swannanoa River. This contract addresses the second design phase for the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project after the first phase was approved by City Council at their September 9 meeting.
“We have a unique opportunity to look collectively at the entire area, from the pool at Recreation Park to the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex and the dog park at Azalea Park,” says Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D Tyrell McGirt. “We are focused on transforming these spaces into a cohesive park that offers seamless connectivity and a unified recreation experience for all residents.”
For more information, check out the staff report.
Historically dubbed as “Asheville’s Playground”, this project is located in the area that is home to recreation facilities and important transportation infrastructure along the Swannanoa River and Azalea Road. City-owned assets addressed in this project include but are not limited to:
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Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam
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Recreation Park (including public swimming pool and bathhouse)
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Outdoor Recreation Facility (formerly Mama T’s)
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John B. Lewis (JBL) Soccer Complex Building
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Azalea Road East
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Azalea Dog Park
Timeline
The full design and public engagement process for the project is expected to take two years, followed by another estimated two to three years of construction. Using a phased approach, public access will be maximized throughout the duration of the project, allowing as many amenities and access as possible to be open for public use.
John B. Lewis fields and upcoming temporary bridge construction
City staff are continuing to make progress with partners at NCDOT on the temporary bridge. See our latest update from August 27, 2025. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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