Crews are working to remove storm debris from public areas and the Swannanoa River

This week, AshBritt has been in Black Mountain, working to remove debris from flooded public areas as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River. AshBritt is the subcontractor tasked with Hurricane Helene debris removal by the Army Corps of Engineers.

River Walk Dog Park

At the Town’s River Walk Dog Park, located behind the former Bi-Lo store, AshBritt crews are taking down broken and leaning trees, referred to as “leaners and hangers,” that were damaged by high winds and floodwaters. The subcontractors assigned to perform this work are from Florida and Ohio. Debris removal follows strict criteria which is monitored by the team lead of each crew.  

With this debris removal, the Town is moving one step further in the cleanup efforts at this park. The dog park remains closed during this time, and citizens are asked to stay out of the area for their safety.

Veterans Park & the Swannanoa River

AshBritt crews from Wisconsin have been on site at Veterans Park working to pull debris out of the Swannanoa River as well as debris from flooded areas. Debris being pulled out of the river not only includes vegetative debris and construction materials but the large metal pedestrian bridge that once stretched across the river, connecting Veterans Park to the In the Oaks Trail. The bridge was damaged and pushed downstream by Helene, a true testament of the height and force of the floodwaters.

It is important to note that before work commenced, all necessary stream water permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, were submitted and approved. All work is compliant with the rules and regulations of stream and stream bank work and is under the strict monitoring of Army Corps of Engineers personnel. Heavy equipment will be present in the Veterans Park area and citizens are asked to stay away from any work being performed.

For now, Veterans Park remains closed to the public out of safety concerns.

More Information

Citizens can keep up to date with storm recovery efforts by regularly visiting the Town’s Hurricane Helene Recovery website, blackmountainrecovery.org. There you can find recovery resources, news releases and much more.

Citizens can also email recovery@tobm.org for any storm-related inquiries, or call Town Hall at 828-419-9300, option 5.

Other Public Parks in Black Mountain

Here is a list of other Town parks and their current status. If you’re interested in more detailed progress reports and program announcements, we encourage you to follow our Parks Department on Facebook.

Cragmont Park
PARTIALLY OPEN
105 Swannanoa Avenue
The parking lot and walking path at Cragmont Park sustained flood damage and should not be used. The tennis courts are open and usable.

Dr. John Wilson Community Garden
OPEN
99 White Pine Drive

Flat Creek Greenway
REPAIRS ONGOING, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Large sections of the Flat Creek Greenway have been destroyed and are closed until further notice. The first section from Charlotte Street to the footbridge remains usable, but all other portions are inaccessible due to damage.

Grey Eagle Indoor Soccer Facility
OPEN FOR LOCAL USE ONLY
17 White Pine Drive

Lake Tomahawk Park & Playground Areas
OPEN, USE WITH CAUTION
The walking trail around Lake Tomahawk is uneven in places but open. Please use caution. The picnic shelter sustained some damage but is usable. The playground, tennis and basketball courts are open. Please note that Lake Tomahawk water levels will be reduced until repair work to the Black Mountain Golf Course’s irrigation system is completed.

Town Square
OPEN
intersection of W. State Street and NC-9/Montreat Road


Black Mountain Golf Course: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

In the Oaks Trail: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS

Lakeview Center: CLOSED FOR REPAIRS