This news item expired on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County Recreation Services is leveraging outside funding for a vital stretch of greenway. The Board of Commissioners approved putting $60,000 toward the Reems Creek greenway with the Town of Weaverville kicking in a matching $60,000 and the NC DOT providing $480,000 for the project.
Recreations Services Director Josh O’Conner said with the funding secured, work would begin on seeking qualified contractors to create the design for the greenway. The design phase is slated to take about 12 months.
More on the Reems Creek Greenway
The proposed greenway would connect the French Broad River to Weaverville and points east toward the Vance Birthplace and Beech Community with a southern spur along Merrimon Avenue to Woodfin and North Asheville. The 6.5-mile main corridor has three distinct sections: French Broad River to Weaverville; Weaverville to Beech Community; and Weaverville to Woodfin/North Asheville.
The proposed route will connect Weaverville to the French Broad River and build upon downtown Weaverville as a destination. On-road bicycle connections from Highway 251 to Weaverville are limited and this route would provide an alternative to busy roads. The connections to the downtown Nature Park in Weaverville and the Vance Birthplace have the potential to drive tourism use.
You can read more about Buncombe County greenways here.