Have you walked through Pritchard Park lately? The improvements are done and the park has a new look.
“Pritchard Park now looks similar to how the park was originally conceived and landscaped,” said Al Kopf, Asheville Parks & Recreation Planning & Development Superintendent.
This urban oasis is newly planted with lush greenery accented by a low protective fence and supported by a new irrigation system to help sustain the plantings. The fencing represents a difference from how the park looked and worked in the past to sustain the landscaped areas. A path through the park provides a lush winding walk through downtown.
Park improvements include:
- Addition of boulders for seating surrounded by stone pavers that enhance the safety.
- Ornamental fencing to protect landscaped areas.
- New bench seating.
- New ornamental and energy efficient LED lighting.
- New year-round drinking fountain that includes ADA access and a ground-level basin for dogs.
- Irrigation system to support the landscape trees and plants.
- Aeration of the soil to better support the large red oak in the park and other plantings.
The new lighting was designed to better illuminate the park for visibility while still maintaining a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
“DARN (Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors) is very pleased with the improvements that have been done in Pritchard Park, said Sue Robbins, chair of the DARN Steering Committee. “There are more green and growing plants, and the protection provided by the fencing will hopefully prolong the life our beautiful central tree. We can’t wait to see it next spring and watch the plantings as they grow and mature through the seasons.”
On Feb. 14, Asheville City Council authorized a contract with Pinnacle Landscapes for the Pritchard Park improvements in the amount of $194,349 plus a contingency of $38,000. The work began in the spring and was completed this summer. Programming to the park was not interrupted during the construction, although portions of the park were closed during the project.
Pritchard Park not only sports an updated look, it has an historic quality to it and is more welcoming for all people. Stop by and enjoy this urban oasis at the intersections of Patton Avenue and College and Haywood streets downtown.
Scenes from the newly improved Pritchard Park
