Richmond Hill Park in Asheville will begin a phased reopening on October 11 after being closed due to damage from Tropical Storm Helene and other severe weather events. The City of Asheville reported that a state contractor has finished removing large storm debris, and partner organizations are now working to clear remaining debris not covered by the contractor.
Some hiking trails at Richmond Hill Park will reopen with normal hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pisgah Area SORBA has played a key role in maintaining and expanding the park’s trail network and continues to assist with rebuilding efforts.
The disc golf course is expected to partially reopen the following week, with 16 out of 18 holes available once the Western North Carolina Disc Golf Association (WNCDGA) helps install baskets. Holes 2 and 9 will stay closed until repairs can be made to damaged tee pads.
“Reopening of trails at Richmond Hill Park is a significant step forward for our community,” said APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “We know how much this park means to Asheville residents, and this phased approach allows us to restore access to this treasured green space for the first time in many months. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated APR team and volunteer partners like WNCDGA and Pisgah Area SORBA for their work to make this possible.”
The city cautions visitors that hazards remain throughout the park due to changed trail conditions from storm damage. Visitors use the park at their own risk and must follow all temporary signage and fencing.
Several areas remain closed as recovery continues:
– Park restrooms are shut for septic field repairs; a temporary accessible portable restroom is near the parking lot.
– Brown Trail is partially closed because of bridge damage.
– The intermediate section of the bike skills course is partially closed.
– Up to four disc golf holes remain closed due to unsafe tee pads.
– All bridges over Smith Creek were washed out or damaged; only wet crossings are available.
“While we celebrate the beginning of a phased reopening operation, we must stress that the recovery process is ongoing,” McGirt said. “The unprecedented and extensive storm damage means hazards remain, and we urge all visitors to exercise extreme caution, adhere to posted signs, and respect the closed areas. This milestone reflects the City’s commitment to rebuilding places we love in stronger and smarter ways so we can enjoy them for generations to come.”
The city continues work on removing damaged infrastructure such as bridge sections on several trails, and Richmond Hill Park remains unavailable for rentals or events at this time.
Although most public parks have reopened after recent storms, Azalea Park, French Broad River Park, and Recreation Park remain fully closed. Residents are urged not to enter any areas that are still marked as closed or partially closed. For updates about open parks and recreation facilities visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/parks/.
For more information about Richmond Hill Park’s history see https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/park-views-richmond-hill-park/.
Asheville Parks & Recreation manages public parks across Asheville including playgrounds, recreation centers, pools, sports fields, courts, cemeteries such as Riverside Cemetery, greenways totaling ten miles of paved paths plus natural surface trails.
Residents can receive updates through Asheville Parks & Recreation’s newsletter or by following its social media channels listed on its website.
