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

Question title

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

Closed to responses

Question title

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

Strongly prioritize ecological restoration, even if that reduces sports space
Lean toward restoration, with some active recreation
Balance restoration and recreation equally
Lean toward recreation, while protecting the river edge
Strongly prioritize recreation and programmed uses, even if that reduces ecological restoration
Other (please name)
Closed to responses

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)

Click on the image to expand

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.

Question title

From this concept, what ideas do you prefer?

Restore native habitat along the riverbank
Pollinator meadow
Stormwater wetland
Restore forested wetland
Rustic trails
Unpaved trails
Overlook
Floating dock
Fishing platform
Greenway
Refurbish existing velodrome
Other features from Themed Concept A (please list)
Closed to responses

Question title

What features from Themed Concept 1 do you dislike?

Closed for Comments

Themed Concept 2: Activate Asheville (Focus on Recreation)

Click on the image to expand

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?

New competition-certified velodrome
Lawn bowling
Pump track
Destination playground
Dog park
Soccer field
Baseball
Futsal courts
Fitness circuit
Boat launch
Fly fishing wading area
Amphitheater
Picnic lawn & pavilions
Other features from Themed Concept B (please name)
Closed to responses

Question title

What features from Themed Concept 2 do you dislike?

Closed for Comments

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

Click on the image to expand

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?

Farmers/Art Market Pavilion with restroom
Replace velodrome with cross country cycle track
Market plaza
Art/Sculpture
Community gardens
Art in the landscape
Destination bouldering
Waterfront lawn
Floodable amphitheater
Riparian meadow garden
Heritage garden
Concessions with community room
Other features from Themed Concept C (please name)
Closed to responses

Question title

What features from Themed Concept 3 do you dislike?

Closed for Comments

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.

Question title

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

Use natural-looking boulders with native planting
Use terraced concrete edges that double as seating
Minimize structure and rely mostly on planting
Not sure
Closed to responses

Question title

How do you feel about the following approaches?

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Section 4: River Access & Connectivity

Question title

Where is expanded or improved boat access most important?

Carrier Park
Amboy Riverfront Park
Both
Neither
Closed to responses

Question title

Which river access features are most important to you?

Accessible floating docks
Small paddle access points
Fishing overlooks
Gravel wade-in fishing areas
Restoring and repairing existing river paddle access stairs
Terraced river edges for sitting
Urban beach area
Closed to responses

Question title

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

Question title

What are we missing?

Closed for Comments

Question title

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

Closed for Comments

Question title

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

Closed for Comments