When Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, it left a powerful mark on our community—including our riverfront parks and facilities. Greenways were washed out, playgrounds were torn apart, buildings were destroyed, trees were lost, and entire green spaces were buried under debris. But what happened next tells a different story—one of resilience, hard work, and the deep connection Asheville has to its public spaces.
Today, we’re sharing a new video that documents the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the extraordinary rebuilding efforts that followed and still continue today.
In the video, you’ll hear directly from Al Kopf, Asheville Parks & Recreation Landscape Architect, who was on-site in the immediate aftermath of the storm. You’ll also see comparative footage illustrating our significant progress. The disorienting shock and severity of the devastation were keenly felt by all City of Asheville staff. However, this was matched by a shared determination across all departments to immediately begin the arduous task of restoring our city.
This video holds particular significance because July marks National Park and Recreation Month, an occasion to acknowledge the crucial contribution of parks and recreation to fostering robust, lively communities. Following nine months of intensive recovery, the video serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable nature of these public spaces and their profound importance to the residents of Asheville.
#AshevilleRecovers