Buncombe County Moves To Convert Deaverview Mountain Into Park

On November 18 Buncombe County staff updated commissioners with a plan and progress report to acquire and develop Deaverview Mountain into a public park. The parcel is roughly 342 acres and includes a prominent summit with expansive views over Asheville. The staff report indicated that conservation and acquisition funding has been secured, including a 4.5 million dollar Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant from the National Park Service and matching support through the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Those funding commitments put the county on track to complete acquisition steps, with closing targeted within months of the November 18 update. County officials outlined an eight to twelve month planning process to follow acquisition, then a multi year phased construction program with a tentative public opening targeted in the 2028 to 2029 timeframe. Staff emphasized goals of protecting the ridgeline, increasing public access to natural areas, and creating a landmark destination park while planning for stewardship and operations.

For Buncombe residents the proposal represents a substantial expansion of the county park system. Adding the Deaverview property would increase county park acreage by nearly 60 percent, a material change in available public green space that could affect recreation patterns, local tourism, and quality of life. The summit views overlooking Asheville add aesthetic and recreational value, and the size of the tract creates opportunities for trails, habitat connectivity, and conservation buffers around developed areas.

The acquisition and development timeline also carries fiscal and operational implications. While external grant funding reduces immediate acquisition costs to taxpayers, ongoing stewardship, maintenance, staffing, and capital improvements will require sustained funding and clear operational plans. County leaders must translate the conceptual goals of protection and access into final management plans that outline responsibilities, recurring costs, and community stewardship roles during the eight to twelve month planning process.

Commissioners received the staff update as an early step in a multi stage project that will shape county parks and open space for years. Residents can expect additional public engagement as planning proceeds, and continued updates from county staff on closing, design, and phased construction milestones leading up to the 2028 to 2029 opening target.