Asheville's Pawsitive Progress: New Dog Park Opens After Helene's Devastation

Asheville --  Asheville's dog-loving community is wagging its tails this week with the grand opening of a new temporary dog park at Riverbend Park.

The facility, a collaborative effort between the City of Asheville and HCA Healthcare's Mission Health, opened its gates yesterday, Tuesday, July 15th, offering a much-needed off-leash haven for furry friends.

The opening comes nearly 10 months after Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on the region, severely damaging and closing beloved dog parks at Azalea and French Broad River. The new Riverbend Dog Park, conveniently located off Swannanoa River Road adjacent to Walmart at 100 Bleachery Boulevard, aims to bridge this gap during the extensive recovery process.

The park is designed with both canines and their human companions in mind, featuring separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. It will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. This interim solution is a testament to the city's commitment to rebuilding and re-establishing vital community spaces, even as it navigates the multi-year effort to restore permanent park infrastructure.

The grand opening celebration yesterday was a festive affair, welcoming dog owners and their pets with giveaways, a selfie station, caricature drawings, and even adoptable animals from Mountain Pet Rescue. This initiative not only provides a recreational outlet but also symbolizes Asheville's resilience and collective spirit in the face of natural disaster.

The recovery from Hurricane Helene has been a significant undertaking for Asheville, with many parks and greenways undergoing extensive repairs. While permanent dog parks are still in the long-term plan, the Riverbend Dog Park serves as a crucial and welcome step forward in restoring normalcy and joy to the lives of Asheville's four-legged residents and their devoted owners.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes