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Home / News / Riverside Cemetery final debris removal work set to begin Monday, July 21, park hours adjusted

Riverside Cemetery final debris removal work set to begin Monday, July 21, park hours adjusted

Posted on July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 by Kim Miller
debris at riverside cemetery

The City of Asheville is moving forward with restoration efforts at Riverside Cemetery, with debris removal work scheduled to begin Monday, July 21. Crews will be on site Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., during this phase of the project.

To maintain the sensitivity of gravesites and ensure the safety of both the public and work crews, Riverside Cemetery will have restricted hours Monday through Friday beginning on July 21. The grounds will only be accessible from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays until further notice, but will be open during regular hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. City staff will work with community members to schedule funerals or special circumstances during adjusted hours. The City understands this may be an inconvenience and appreciates the community’s understanding and respect for this necessary measure, City staff will continue to assess the safety of the park and will update park hours if changes are made. 

This work is estimated to be complete in early Fall 2025. The schedule may shift significantly if any historical artifacts are discovered during the cleanup process. To ensure proper care and compliance, the State contractor will subcontract with an archaeological monitoring firm to be in place throughout the duration of the project.

“This work marks a critical step in restoring one of Asheville’s historic and culturally significant spaces,” said Jonathan Neary, Riverside Cemetery Supervisor. “We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as we take great care in preserving this landmark.”

Additional recovery efforts at Riverside Cemetery
Once contractors have completed Phase 2 of storm debris removal work to remove root balls and backfill any voids, Asheville Parks & Recreation will conduct a cost assessment for the additional recovery efforts needed including, but not limited to: road repairs, stormwater repairs, fence repairs, and retaining walls.The initial assessment is scheduled to begin the first week of August.

Timely updates will be shared through the Riverside Cemetery Recovery project page as work progresses. Community members may also sign up for updates on the project page.

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