This week, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority approved $12.4 million for eight capital projects across the county through its Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), which is supported by lodging taxes paid by visitors.
The Beacon Foundation was awarded the largest grant of $4.5 million to support the creation of Beacon Park in Swannanoa. The project will transform the former Beacon Manufacturing Company (once the largest blanket manufacturer in the world) into a a hub for outdoor recreation and industry + residential and commercial uses. Plans include outdoor bouldering walls, a one-mile paved walking loop, a 4,000-person capacity event lawn, and “the largest all-wheel bike facility of its kind in North and South America” designed by Vesolutions.
This is a turning point for Swannanoa, and we couldn’t be more honored than to be able to help carry this vision forward,” said Beacon Foundation Co-founder and President Casey Watkins. The project is expected to be fully completed in June 2026.
Here’s how the rest of the funding shook out:
JBL Soccer Complex Restoration | $2,155,000
The Enka Youth Sports Organization received funds to replace Helene-damaged turf, repair the underground stormwater system, and restore lighting across fields. The project is expected to be completed in November.
Enka Recreation Destination Phase II | $1,975,920
Buncombe County Sports Park will get lighting and turf enhancements, an ADA-compliant walking path, an accessible playground, and a new pavilion by June 2027. This round of TPDF grants marks a total of $12,780,335 invested into the project, making it the second largest investment in a single facility in the fund’s history.
Warren Wilson College Aquatics Center | $1,606,000
By January 2027 the college will have a freshly renovated 10,000-sqft facility complete with a six-lane pool, competition-level diving boards, and seating for 200 spectators.
White Horse Black Mountain Community Patio Project | $736,537
Next May, the music venue will gain a nearly 4,000-sqft covered patio and upper deck, allowing more guests at each show.
UNC Asheville On-Campus Tennis Complex | $500,000
The new six-court facility will replace the Asheville Racquet Club Downtown hardcourts and include a building for coaches’ offices, locker rooms, and public restrooms. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027.
Bob Lewis Ballpark Visitor Amenity Enhancements | $220,000
Improvements to the ballpark include entry columns, turf-lined dugouts, shade sail canopies, safety fencing, and an internal pedestrian trail connecting the fields. Expect to see the changes in February.
Asheville Museum of Science Downtown Expansion | $189,500
This fall, the museum will break ground on an expansion into the neighboring building at 1 Haywood St. The extra space will allow for more exhibitions and a Maker Lab to host more programming.
