Clyde: September 10, 2026: Clyde, in Haywood County, is undergoing a significant transformation along the Pigeon River, converting former disaster zones into public green spaces. This riverfront revival is a direct result of extensive federal buyout programs initiated after devastating floods, reshaping both the town's landscape and its identity.
The groundwork for this change was laid after catastrophic flooding in 2004, when Haywood County identified 88 properties for acquisition through federal and state disaster funds. Within Clyde's town limits, 45 properties were acquired, totaling approximately $5.9 million in costs for Haywood County. These parcels, acquired under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), must remain open space in perpetuity, designated for parks, recreation, or wetland management, with no permanent housing allowed. Initially, a non-contiguous patchwork of empty lots presented challenges for developing a continuous greenway.
One of the earliest successes in this transformation was the construction of River's Edge Park, built on former flood-damaged home sites with FEMA support after the 2004 flood. This park serves as both a recreation area and a vital flood channel designed to hold and redirect floodwaters. It features deep-rooted native species like river cane, which help stabilize soils and filter water, reducing erosion and future flood damage. A second phase of the River's Edge project extended these native plantings into areas acquired after Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, further integrating ecological restoration with flood mitigation.
More recently, new state and federal resilience funding is accelerating Clyde's shift from vulnerable housing to public green space. In February 2026, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $401,226 for a new "Downtown Floodable Riverfront Park." This project will transform 1.08 acres of FEMA HMGP buyout properties along the Pigeon River into a floodable park space, specifically designed to direct and contain flooding, reduce damage to adjacent roads, and improve stormwater quality through native plantings. This park is described as part of an integrated suite of resilience-building projects that support local businesses, provide new recreational opportunities, and help define Clyde’s "post-Helene identity."
Further enhancing the town's green infrastructure, a new town park is planned on a half-acre parcel at Mulberry and Broad Streets, also a lot cleared via FEMA buyout after flooding. This park is envisioned as a flexible, green gathering space that can withstand periodic inundation, with planning fully funded by a NC DEQ Flood Resiliency Blueprint grant. In September 2026, Clyde acquired 36 floodplain parcels from Haywood County, collectively opening the door for expanded parks and greenways, including potential expansion along the Pigeon River. These acquisitions, building on past buyout efforts, give the town greater control over its riverfront planning and public use, continuing Clyde's journey from disaster zones to vibrant, resilient green spaces.
Town leadership envisions utilizing contiguous and river-adjacent lots for several community benefits:
Connected Greenway Trails: Linking disjointed sections along the river corridor to create walkable, bike-friendly paths connecting neighborhoods with downtown Clyde.
Passive Pocket Parks & Green Spaces: Creating community green spaces, picnic areas, and pollinator gardens with amenities designed to withstand occasional flooding.
Public River Access: Developing safe, low-impact put-ins for kayakers, canoers, and anglers along the Pigeon River.
Natural Stormwater Buffers: Preserving wetlands and open floodplains that absorb high waters during major storm events, mitigating downstream pressure and protecting nearby downtown streets.