WNC -- April 13, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has announced a significant investment in the recovery of Western North Carolina’s outdoor spaces, awarding more than $4 million in grants to fund 11 local park and recreation projects. The funding, sourced through the Helene Recovery Fund for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), is specifically designed to repair and enhance areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“Western North Carolina is beautiful, and visiting its parks is a great way to get out and enjoy all it has to offer,” said Governor Stein. “Outdoor recreation also fosters the community fellowship and resilience exemplified by western North Carolinians during and after Hurricane Helene. I appreciate the North Carolina legislature for appropriating this much-needed funding.”
A Strategic Recovery Effort
The grants were made possible by the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II, which Governor Stein signed into law in June 2025 during the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park. Of the $12.25 million total allocation for the fund, 35% was designated for local government projects, while the remaining 65% supported state parks and DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Under this special recovery cycle, local governments were not restricted by a request cap, though they were required to match the PARTF awards dollar-for-dollar.
“The Helene Recovery Fund for PARTF allows western North Carolina to build back better and stronger,” said Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Secretary Pamela Cashwell. “We are thrilled for the grant recipients working to restore and improve access to nature and outdoor recreation.”
Local Impact Across the Mountains
The Parks and Recreation Authority selected the recipients during a meeting held on March 27 at Lake James State Park. The following projects have been approved for funding:
Avery County: $987,500 for Hodge Turbyfill Fields in Newland.
Watauga County: $494,000 for Cove Creek Park in Sugar Grove.
Town of Canton (Haywood County): $403,804 for Sorrells Street Park.
City of Hendersonville (Henderson County): $361,762 for Sullivan Park.
Town of Beech Mountain (Watauga County): $353,250 for Shane Park.
City of Asheville (Buncombe County): $345,000 for Azalea Park.
Town of Montreat (Buncombe County): $307,274 for Flat Creek.
Ashe County: $300,000 for Family Central Park in Jefferson.
Buncombe County: $284,368 for boat launch replacements on the French Broad River.
Town of Banner Elk (Avery County): $204,201 for Tate-Evans Park.
Town of Seven Devils (Watauga County): $117,716 for repairs on the Otter Falls Trail.
State Parks Director Brian Strong noted that PARTF remains an invaluable resource for communities, stating that the division is proud to contribute to the state's ongoing recovery efforts.
About North Carolina State Parks
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages more than 264,000 acres of iconic landscapes, including 35 state parks and 15 state trails. The division is dedicated to connecting generations with nature through conservation and education, welcoming approximately 18 million visitors each year.
For more details on local recovery and daily news for the region, visit wnctimes.