Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene. Although the land has changed, our resolve to reopen Owen Park never has.  This brief survey is part of the redesigning phase of the Owen Park Project and will present two possible design concepts for the park. These designs were inspired by input from the community, as well as the team’s expertise in landscape design, engineering, sustainability, and accessibility. Please review each concept, answer the questions, and give any additional feedback on the design for the new Owen Park. 

Take this 10‑minute survey to share your thoughts on how Buncombe County should use future opioid settlement funds. Overview: Buncombe County will receive more than $30 million in opioid settlement funds from 2022 to 2039 to help prevent overdoses, support treatment and recovery, and provide services that keep people safe.   In 2023, the County created a strategic plan based on community feedback to guide how these funds should be used. Since then, the funds have supported:  Post-overdose Response Teams that visit people after an overdose. Medications that help people reduce or stop opioid use. Outreach in communities with more barriers. Safety supplies like Narcan, test strips, and safe disposal options. Peer Support Specialists to help people navigate recovery. Reentry help for people leaving jail. Almost four years later, the County is updating the plan for 2027 to 2030. Your feedback will help us understand what is working and what still needs attention. Visit the Opioid Settlement Fund Engage page to learn more about the work done so far.  Survey Details:   This survey will take about 10 minutes. All responses are voluntary. You can skip any question. We will not collect your name or any personal information, unless you choose to share it. We will only ask about your general location, age range, and race/ethnicity.  Your answers will be combined with others. Individual responses will not be shared. The County will use the survey results to help guide future Opioid Settlement Fund spending. Your answers may be shared if required by North Carolina Public Records Law.  If you have questions or concerns about the survey, please email Behavioral Health Manager Victoria Reichard at victoria.reichard@buncombenc.gov.

Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene and has been closed since the storm due to damage – but that’s not the end of its story. The next chapter starts now, as Buncombe County Parks & Recreation partners with the community to reimagine, redesign, and rebuild Owen Park.   Explore this page to learn more about the project and find out how to get involved.