Press release from RiverLink:
Local landscape architecture firm Equinox Environmental has entered into a contract with the Town of Woodfin to create design documents for the Woodfin Whitewater Wave and the Riverside Park expansion, two much-anticipated components of the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway project.
In November 2020 the town issued a request for qualifications and in January 2021, after reviewing all proposals, the selection committee reached consensus on the best qualified firm to enter negotiations with. “Equinox’s submittal demonstrated a thorough understanding of the project’s purpose, local conditions, and stakeholders’ expectations,” said Eric Hardy, Woodfin Town Administrator.
Equinox Environmental will be the lead design contractor and the primary point of contact for the project. A number of subconsultants have also been identified and will include: S2o Design & Engineering for whitewater wave design, Vaughn & Melton for civil, structural and utility engineering, Samsel Architects, design lead on the park pavilion, ECS for geotechnical services, and Kee Mapping & Surveying for site survey needs. Gail Lazarus will also provide guidance on the permitting process. The entire design process, including permitting, is expected to take around 10 months to complete, with a total price tag of $719,120.
Public input on the design process has, and will, continue to be a priority for the Town. In addition to the communications support provided by RiverLink, Equinox Environmental also has staff dedicated to community engagement around the project. A recently formed Woodfin Parks & Greenways Advisory Committee will also provide project oversight and support outreach efforts.
The Woodfin Greenway & Blueway project is an ambitious re-visioning of the French Broad River as a recreational destination that will connect people to each other, to public space, and to the river. The project consists of five miles of new greenway along the River and Beaverdam Creek, creation of Silver-Line Park and redesign of the existing Riverside Park, and a world-class whitewater wave feature suitable for beginner and advanced paddlers of all ages.
The project is a partnership between the Town of Woodfin, RiverLink, Buncombe County and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. To learn more and find out how you can get involved visit www.riverlink.org/woodfin-greenway.
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