BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage to parks and green spaces across Buncombe County, officials say recovery is progressing and long-term planning is back on track.

The Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Department has resumed work on its Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan after pausing the effort to focus on storm recovery. The master plan will be a comprehensive roadmap for future parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facilities.

It will also include an updated Greenways and Trails Plan which was last revised in 2012 and the county’s first Open Space Plan.

“This work fulfills our commitment to build back stronger,” Parks and Recreation Director Allison Dains said during a briefing Monday at Lake Julian Park. “We want to

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