Asheville Reporter

Town of Biltmore Forest issued the following announcement on Aug. 10.

"What is going on in Greenwood Park? When it will it be done, and why hasn't anyone been there for the past few weeks?"

These are just a few questions received over the past several weeks as construction on the Greenwood Park Stream Restoration project has slowed. Work is approximately 90% complete, but an underground utility conflict between the Town's designed storm water repair and Duke Energy's underground power has led to a delay. The good news is that the project engineers have designed a revision and we are now just waiting on delivery of the storm water pipe necessary to complete this work.

Background for Project

The Town has worked on stream restoration within Greenwood Park for several years. The first thrust of this project was a loan application from the Town to the Division of Water Quality in April 2019. This loan application was approved for $292,000 at zero (0) percent interest. Subsequent to that award, the Town contracted with WithersRavenel consultants to design an appropriate stream restoration for this segment. The project design was approved by the Division of Water Quality and United States Army Corps of Engineers in mid-summer 2021, and a funding approval was granted by the NC Local Government Commission in December 2021. Bids were received and an award made, contingent on LGC approval, in October 2021. Baker Grading and Landscaping, from Old Fort, N.C., was awarded the contract.

Construction Phase

Construction began in May 2022 with most hardscape improvements being completed by the latter part of July 2022. The one exception to this work is the above referenced utility conflict that had to be redesigned. Once these utility installations are complete, work will begin on other landscaping pieces in the park. Final landscaping associated with the stream restoration project is scheduled to conclude by the end of October 2022. The purpose for this project is three fold: 

1. Remove the dangerous and end-of-life span gabion baskets supporting the stream bank, and restore the bank to a more natural condition
2. Improve water quality within the stream, and slow siltation of the stream down via wetland storm water control measures and the use of large boulders
3. Ensure the viability of the stream and park for generations to come

The Town has produced a PowerPoint presentation - most recently presented at the Town's regular Board of Commissioners meeting in August 2022 - that covers this stream restoration project. We encourage all citizens to read through this presentation and feel free to inquire with questions, comments, or concerns. We want Greenwood Park to be re-opened as quickly as possible, but are also excited about the significant improvements being made through this project. 

Link to PowerPoint Presentation

Additional Improvements

In addition to the stream restoration project, the Town is also excited about additional improvements for Greenwood Park. Several of these components were discussed during the Town's master planning process (conducted in 2019) for the park, and several are new additions. The Town will have more information and direction for this portion of the project within the next several months.

Original source can be found here.