The City of Asheville and HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health have come together to fulfill their shared commitment of supporting the community with the opening of a temporary dog park in Riverbend Park, offering a much-needed, safe, off-leash, fenced-in space for the city’s canine residents and their human companions. This solution comes after Tropical Storm Helene’s floodwaters severely damaged and closed popular public dog parks in Azalea Park and French Broad River Park in September.
“We understand how important these off-leash spaces are for our community’s dogs and their owners,” said Bridget Herring, City of Asheville Recovery Coordinator. “We are not only partnering to focus on fixing what was broken; rather, we are reestablishing hope of what’s possible for our community when we collectively show up with strength and purpose. The establishment of this temporary dog park in Riverbend Park is a testament to our commitment to recovery and providing vital services even as we face significant infrastructure challenges.”
The temporary dog park is located on 100 Bleachery Blvd. off of Swannanoa River Rd. and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring temporary fencing with separate areas for large and small dogs, this space allows dogs to run and play while the City of Asheville undertakes the substantial task of repairing and rebuilding damaged parks infrastructure.
This crucial interim solution for the community is made possible by the generous sponsorship of HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health. Their commitment to the well-being of Asheville’s residents, including their furry friends, has been instrumental in establishing this much-needed space.
“For the past several months, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our Western North Carolina community – repairing, rebuilding and restoring our home. We’re excited to show up for our community by bringing a safe environment to the Riverbend Dog Park for local families, friends and beloved pets to gather,” said HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health President Greg Lowe. “At HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, our focus remains clear – finding meaningful ways to help our community thrive and creating a healthier tomorrow for us all.”
Community members are invited to celebrate the temporary dog park at a grand opening on Tuesday, July 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a selfie station, giveaways for dogs and humans, caricature drawings, and adoptable friends from Mountain Pet Rescue.
For general information about Asheville’s storm recovery, visit ashevillerecovers.org. For more information about Helene Recovery Projects, visit the Projects tab.