What this survey will help us decide

We are asking for input on:

  • How the river edge should be rebuilt
  • The balance between nature, recreation, community, and art
  • Which programs and amenities are most preferred
  • Where river access is most preferred
  • Long-term connectivity goals

We are not asking you to choose a single concept. Instead, tell us which features from each themed concept are most preferred.

Section 1: The Big Picture

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Across the entire riverfront system, what are your top priorities?

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Different parts of the riverfront can emphasize different uses. In general, where should we lean?

Poll question: Different parts of the riverfront can emphasize different uses. In general, where should we lean?. Select one option.
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Section 2: Early Themed Concepts

These three early concepts explore different directions the rebuilt parks could take. We will mix and refine features from all of them for the final design.

Themed Concept 1: Reveal the River (Focus on Ecology and Water Systems)

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A detailed concept map titled "Reveal the River," illustrating a massive urban park and greenway development along the French Broad River in West Asheville. The map shows a green corridor winding alongside the river, featuring a dense recreation hub with a velodrome, skate park, and sports courts. It highlights a continuous greenway trail, pedestrian bridges, fishing platforms, and several environmental restoration areas like wetlands and pollinator meadows. Labeled zones include parking, restrooms, and picnic areas interspersed with "Rustic Trails" and "Unpaved Trails" through wooded sections.

This concept theme emphasizes floodplain restoration, native habitat, wetlands, and a landscape shaped by the river’s natural rhythms.

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From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?

Poll question: From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?. Select one or more options.
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What features from Themed Concept 1 do you dislike?

Themed Concept 2: Activate Asheville (Focus on Recreation)

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A concept map titled "Activate Asheville" detailing a proposed riverfront park development along the French Broad River. The map illustrates a high-activity green corridor featuring a wide array of athletic facilities including futsal courts, lawn bowling, a new velodrome, baseball and soccer fields, pickleball, and a fitness circuit. It highlights community gathering spaces like multiple amphitheaters, a destination playground, and a pump track. Infrastructure and nature-focused additions include a boat launch, fly fishing wading areas, future pedestrian bridges, and a continuous greenway trail connecting all zones.

This concept theme emphasizes active recreation and movement.

Question title

From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?

Poll question: From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?. Select one or more options.
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Select a response

Question title

What features from Themed Concept 2 do you dislike?

Themed Concept 3: Community Canvas (Focus on Art and Community)

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A concept map titled "Community Canvas" showing a culturally and socially focused park plan along the French Broad River. This design emphasizes community gathering and art, featuring a farmers/art market pavilion, a "braided pollinator path," community gardens, and "art in the landscape" installations. Unique recreation elements include a skate ribbon, woodland pump track, bocce lawn, and destination bouldering. The plan also incorporates a "floodable amphitheater," a heritage garden, and a riparian meadow garden, all connected by a central greenway.

This concept theme emphasizes art, cultural programming, and shared community space.
 

Question title

From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?

Poll question: From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?. Select one or more options.
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Select a response

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What features from Themed Concept 3 do you dislike?

Section 3: River Edge & Ecology

The next few sections will ask you some general questions about your preferences. These don’t refer to a specific themed concept – we just want to know what you think.

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Some areas require structural reinforcement due to flood damage. Which approach do you prefer in high-impact areas?

Poll question: Some areas require structural reinforcement due to flood damage. Which approach do you prefer in high-impact areas?. Select one option.
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How do you feel about the following approaches?

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Section 4: River Access & Connectivity

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Where is expanded or improved boat access most important?

Poll question: Where is expanded or improved boat access most important?. Select one option.
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Select a response

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Which river access features are most important to you?

Poll question: Which river access features are most important to you?. Select one or more options.
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Select a response

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Rate your level of support:

A two-panel map titled Potential Greenway Connections highlighting proposed pedestrian and cyclist access points along the French Broad River. The left panel shows four connection points: A and B link residential areas at Beverly Road and Grandview Drive to riverfront trails; C and D indicate potential bridge or crossing points connecting the River Arts District and Depot Street to the western bank. The right panel shows connection E linking the WNC Farmers Market to the Buncombe County Hominy Creek River Park via a path under the Interstate 40 bridge. Both panels illustrate a continuous greenway winding through wooded areas adjacent to the river.

Some of the projects below are long-term ideas, and not part of this recovery funding. However, your input will still help guide future planning.

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Section 5: Final Thoughts

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What are we missing?

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What are you most excited about related to the future of the riverfront parks?

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What concerns you most about the future of the riverfront parks?