In a significant boost for outdoor recreation and community development, Governor Josh Stein has announced over $4 million in grants for 11 parks and recreation projects across western North Carolina. This funding, sourced from the Helene Recovery Fund for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), is expected to enhance local parks and improve public access to recreational spaces.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “Western North Carolina is beautiful, and visiting its parks is a great way to get out and enjoy all it has to offer. Outdoor recreation also fosters the community fellowship and resilience exemplified by western North Carolinians during and after Hurricane Helene. I appreciate the North Carolina legislature for appropriating this much-needed funding.”
The initiative is part of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II (SL 2025-26), signed into law by Governor Stein in June 2025. The act allocated $12.25 million, distributing 65% to state parks and DuPont State Recreational Forest and 35% to local governments. Unlike the usual annual PARTF cycle, local governments could request grants without a cap but were required to match the award dollar for dollar from other funding sources.
According to DNCR Secretary Pamela Cashwell, “The Helene Recovery Fund for PARTF allows western North Carolina to build back better and stronger. We are thrilled for the grant recipients working to restore and improve access to nature and outdoor recreation.”
A nine-member board, appointed by state officials, selected the grant recipients during a meeting at Lake James State Park. State Parks Director Brian Strong acknowledged the importance of PARTF, saying, “PARTF has been an invaluable resource for building local parks for communities across the state, and we are proud for its legacy to include contributions to the state’s Helene recovery. We are grateful to legislators and Governor Stein for their support for parks, and we appreciate the Parks and Recreation Authority for its important role in allocating the funding.”
Local Projects and Funding Allocations
- The City of Asheville in Buncombe County received $345,000 for Azalea Park.
- Ashe County was granted $300,000 for Family Central Park in Jefferson.
- Avery County obtained $987,500 for Hodge Turbyfill Fields in Newland.
- The Town of Banner Elk in Avery County secured $204,201 for Tate-Evans Park.
- The Town of Beech Mountain in Watauga County received $353,250 for Shane Park.
- Buncombe County was allocated $284,368 for boat launch replacements on the French Broad River.
- The Town of Canton in Haywood County gained $403,804 for Sorrells Street Park.
- The City of Hendersonville in Henderson County received $361,762 for Sullivan Park.
- The Town of Montreat in Buncombe County was awarded $307,274 for Flat Creek.
- The Town of Seven Devils in Watauga County received $117,716 for repairs on the Otter Falls Trail.
- Watauga County was given $494,000 for Cove Creek Park in Sugar Grove.
About North Carolina State Parks
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. It aims to connect generations with nature and offers a diverse array of outdoor experiences. The state park system, covering over 264,000 acres, includes 35 state parks and numerous natural areas, attracting around 18 million visitors each year.
Beyond managing state parks, the division also oversees federal and state parks and trails grants, including the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program. It is a part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enhances North Carolina’s arts, culture, history, and natural areas. Through its more than 100 sites, the department fosters education, economic development, public health, and community resilience. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
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