Connecting Woodfin to the French Broad River
RiverLink is delighted to be a strategic partner in the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway project. This ambitious $34 million project includes the construction of five miles of greenway along the French Broad River and Beaverdam Creek. The project will also provide new river access sites and the recently opened Silver-Line Park as well as expansion of existing Riverside Park, all in Woodfin. An exciting and much anticipated feature of the project will be the creation of the in-stream wave feature for whitewater paddling and surfing enthusiasts. The name Taylor’s Wave was established in 2023 to honor the life of Taylor Hunt, an expert paddler who died in a 2015 whitewater accident in Ecuador. It also honors the volunteer leadership efforts and financial support by his family for the project since its inception.
The planned greenway trails will connect to the larger greenway system being developed in the City of Asheville and beyond, promising a network of more than 25 miles of safe urban paths centering on the French Broad River that will allow more people to travel safely with reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The project is being designed and built by the Town of Woodfin, with Buncombe County government supporting the effort with design and construction of the greenway elements of the project.
A tremendous amount of gratitude to all the funders that have made this ambitious project possible. The WGB project has received significant financial support from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, the Federal Highway Administration (via NC Department of Transportation), Buncombe County, the NC Departments of Environmental Quality and Parks & Recreation, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, landowners who are providing easements for the greenway and private donors including the Silver family. In 2016, voters in the Town of Woodfin overwhelmingly approved a referendum for $4.5 million in general obligation bonds to support construction.
To learn more about each aspect of this ambitious project including current news, timelines and scope, please visit the Town of Woodfin’s dedicated WGB section. See you up in Woodfin!
Donate to The Project
We are delighted to report as of May 2024, Woodfin Greenway & Blueway is full steam ahead with Taylor’s Wave and Riverside Park. However, we continue to fundraise to fully cover the associated expenses of this phase of WGB. We would be grateful for your ongoing support in ensuring a world-class Wave and recreational experience. And any funds received will continue to be restricted to their designated use as requested by the donor.