From Staff Reports

The recent unveiling of a feasibility study for a proposed $1.78 million whitewater park on the French Broad River in Asheville’s River Arts District constituted a step forward for the long-time dream of its proponents.

The 60-page study, “Site Visit and Conceptual Design Study, Asheville Whitewater Park,” shows Asheville and the river could accommodate a waterpark with an “in-stream” feature that would simulate a surfing wave, providing  year-round whitewater in the burgeoning RAD.

The “surf wave” park would not be a slip-and-slide, but rather the plan suggests a river feature with a low dam-like structure, using natural rocks, concrete and mechanical metal gates to direct water through multiple side-by-side drops to create whitewater of a quality that does not exist near Asheville

The park would take about four years to complete and has several potential sites. The preferred site is an access near the New Belgium Brewery (which is still under construction) and the preferred alternative is under the Jeff Bowen Bridge, according to the study. Other potential sites include near the Jean Webb Park and near the Pearson Street Bridge. 

The study was done by S20 Design and Engineering, which is run by Scott Shipley, the three-time Olympic whitewater slalom kayaker and World Cup Champion. 

The study cost $13,000, which was raised under the auspices of the Asheville Parks and Greenways Foundation, as well as some local businesses and outfitters.

S20 built the artificial whitewater park at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte and the course for the 2012 London Olympics as well as many parks.

 Following the study’s unveiling, city leaders will be looking to the public to move the plan forward by offering input and raising needed funds, Vice Mayor Marc Hunt noted.

The next step will working with local governments, including the city, to see how planning and further design might fit into the RAD redevelopment effort, according to Rick Lutovsky, a key proponent of the project. He has served as a president and chief executive officer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

As for funding, the $1.78 million projected cost would be funded partially by grants and other partnerships, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

“This is kind of a perfect opportunity for a public-private partnership, with city-owned land and possibly the Buncombe Tourism and Development Authority and other partners,” Manheimer told local news media.