Western North Carolina -- April 9, 2026: A significant wave of revitalization is coming to the mountains as more than $4 million in grants has been greenlit to restore and enhance 11 parks and recreation sites across the region. These funds, specifically earmarked through the Helene Recovery Fund for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), represent a critical step in healing the outdoor spaces that define the Western North Carolina (WNC) lifestyle.
The North Carolina State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), is overseeing the distribution of these funds. This financial injection was made possible by the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 (Part II), a landmark piece of legislation signed into law during the reopening celebration of Chimney Rock State Park in June 2025.
Funding the Future of WNC Outdoors
The Disaster Recovery Act allocated a total of $12.25 million to ensure the region’s natural treasures could bounce back. The funding was strategically divided to address both broad state needs and specific local community assets:
65% ($7.96 million) was dedicated to State Parks and the DuPont State Recreational Forest.
35% ($4.29 million) was reserved for local government projects.
To secure these grants, local municipalities were required to match the PARTF award dollar-for-dollar with other funding sources, ensuring a collaborative investment in the region’s infrastructure. The final recipients were selected during a meeting held at Lake James State Park on March 27.
Local Impact: Where the Money is Going
The 11 selected projects span across the heart of WNC, targeting everything from athletic fields to river access points. Key investments include:
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: $361,762 for Sullivan Park.
Town of Beech Mountain: $353,250 for Shane Park.
City of Asheville: $345,000 for Azalea Park.
Town of Montreat: $307,274 for Flat Creek restoration.
Ashe County: $300,000 for Family Central Park in Jefferson.
Buncombe County: $284,368 to replace boat launches on the French Broad River.
Town of Banner Elk: $204,201 for Tate-Evans Park.
Town of Seven Devils: $117,716 for essential repairs to the Otter Falls Trail.
These projects signify more than just repairs; they represent the resilience of the mountain communities and a commitment to maintaining the natural beauty that draws residents and visitors alike to Western North Carolina.