Karen Cragnolin Park greenway is now open; former brownfield site is missing link

Sarah Honosky, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read
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The section of the French Broad River Greenway that runs through Karen Cragnolin Park was recently completed. A dedication ceremony was held August 25, 2023.
The section of the French Broad River Greenway that runs through Karen Cragnolin Park was recently completed. A dedication ceremony was held August 25, 2023.

ASHEVILLE - On the dripping-hot day of its dedication, runners were already making their way down the now unbroken ribbon of the French Broad River Greenway at Karen Cragnolin Park, named for the river revitalization visionary who died in 2022 at age 72.

Despite the cacophony of bright-canopied tents, musical performances and a rowdy gaggle of kids crowding buckets of bubble solution, some greenway-goers were just there to pass through, as was intended for the path that's been 20 years in the making.

After more than 17 years of environmental remediation behind a chain-link fence — a transformation from a former junkyard to a reclaimed, open green space — the 5.3-acre tract on Amboy Road joins the public greenway, with a new paved path linking the French Broad River Greenway on each side.

Bob Cragnolin speaks about his wife, Karen, during the dedication of the Karen Cragnolin Park August 25, 2023.
Bob Cragnolin speaks about his wife, Karen, during the dedication of the Karen Cragnolin Park August 25, 2023.

"Today, after two decades of effort, we are delighted to activate and connect (Karen Cragnolin Park's) greenway to the two adjacent river parks," said Lisa Raleigh, executive director of RiverLink, the organization behind the project, which was dedicated to its namesake in an Aug. 25 celebration.

The Karen Cragnolin Park greenway is the missing link in a sprawling trail system, connecting Carrier and Amboy Road River parks. It is Phase 1 of a larger park project, impacting one-third of the 5-acre property. The paved path is joined by innovative stormwater features for flood mitigation, water quality protections and enhancements, pollinator meadows with native grasses, educational signage and more.

Educational panels in Karen Cragnolin Park share history of the area and the nearby French Broad River.
Educational panels in Karen Cragnolin Park share history of the area and the nearby French Broad River.

Beyond the pavement is a native meadow of grasses and sedges, which Raleigh said will flourish in coming years.

Bikes were leaned up against the chain-link fence, people fanning themselves against the heat of the 94-degree day, fresh asphalt decorated with chalk art of dragonflies, flowers and puffy blue clouds.

Speakers included Raleigh; Cragnolin's husband, Bob Cragnolin; Asheville's mayor, Esther Manheimer; Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority CEO Vic Isley, representing the project's lead grantor; and RiverLink board member Anne Keller.

"Nothing in the riverfront greenway development is easy, and Karen knew that very well. She did not turn away from difficult situations. Her efforts produced great things, like this greenway and the park with her name on it, she fought so hard to turn RiverLink's riverfront visions into reality, and this parcel is a hard fought victory," said Mayor Esther Manheimer when she took to the small stage. "We are so lucky to have such a dedicated organization partnering with all of us in this community. I can't say that enough. We are so lucky."

In closing, she raised a (metaphorical) glass to Cragnolin. In the crowd, others raised theirs hands in turn.

"This wouldn't be possible without her," she said.

RiverLink acquired the former car-crushing junkyard site in 2006, and in 2018, announced the hiring of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects to head the design process.

River visionary: Karen Cragnolin, Asheville pioneer of river revitalization and RiverLink, dead at 72

Noah Harris, Karen Cragnolin’s grandson, cuts a ribbon during the dedication of Karen Cragnolin Park August 25, 2023.
Noah Harris, Karen Cragnolin’s grandson, cuts a ribbon during the dedication of Karen Cragnolin Park August 25, 2023.

General contractor Baker Construction began work at the site of the former brownfield at 190 Amboy Road the week of March 20, according to Riverlink. The project broke ground April 12.

RiverLink has invested more than a decade removing concrete, healing the soil, managing invasive plants and planning the park itself, named for Karen Cragnolin, the driving force behind revitalization of the river, and founder and former executive director of RiverLink.

She died Jan. 22, 2022, after battling heart and lung conditions following a 2016 stroke.

At the edge of the gathering, a new chain-link fence follows the contour of the greenway, beyond it the greenery of the riverbank and grassy, untouched land. This is Phase 2 of the project: precluding access to undeveloped portions of the park where soil remediation and permitting is not complete. It will remain in place until the work is finished, allowing development of the rest of the park in subsequent phases.

Bikes are leaned against a fence at Karen Cragnolin Park during the dedication of the newest portion of the French Broad River Greenway, August 25, 2023.
Bikes are leaned against a fence at Karen Cragnolin Park during the dedication of the newest portion of the French Broad River Greenway, August 25, 2023.

More: At Karen Cragnolin Park, RiverLink readies to break ground on greenway after years of work

More: Wilma Dykeman, Asheville literary and environmental icon, honored with RAD greenway naming

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Karen Cragnolin Park greenway opens along the French Broad river