ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A year after Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, a coalition of nonprofits and engineers is transforming a riverside property into a flood-resilient community park.
Engineers Without Borders USA, RiverLink and Equinox Environmental, with support from RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, announced plans Friday to redevelop Gateway Park, a 1.3-acre greenspace along the French Broad River in Asheville.
The park will include a flood-resistant pavilion, walking paths and community gathering areas. Volunteers with Engineers Without Borders will add modifications to help the site withstand debris and high waters during storms. The design also calls for ecological restoration such as pollinator gardens, removal of invasive plants and stormwater management.
“Gateway Park is a powerful example of how we can come together with local and global organizations … to design a space for residents that strengthens resilience, stimulates recovery and drives hope,” Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, said in a news release.
The project builds on RiverLink’s decades-long vision of transforming industrial land along the French Broad corridor into public green space. Once complete, Gateway Park will provide pedestrian and bike connections and serve as a recreational and educational hub.
Pratt & Whitney, which is celebrating its centennial in 2025, is contributing engineers from across the country through its Engineers Without Borders chapter.
“Recovery takes years after a storm like Hurricane Helene,” Dan Field, Asheville general manager for Pratt & Whitney, said in the news release. “Through collaborations like this, we’re helping protect our community from future natural disasters.”
The partnership is supported by Community Engineering Corps, the domestic program of Engineers Without Borders. Organizers say the effort highlights the need for preventative infrastructure that strengthens communities before the next disaster strikes.
