Extending the Broadway Greenway, known as Reed Creek, through the old Health Adventure (now UNCA property) is a priority project for RiverLink, the Montford neighborhood and UNCA. Connecting the neighborhood, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay, UNCA, and the downtown area will greatly facilitate pedestrian and bike traffic for the entire community.
A recent ribbon cutting and celebration for the new section of the Reed Creek Greenway was a huge success sponsored by the City of Asheville and the Greenway Commission. During the ceremony, the Montford Neighborhood Association presented RiverLink with a $12,000 contribution to buy 240 one-foot sections of the new greenway at $50 per foot. These funds will be used 100% percent exclusively for the extension of the greenway through the UNCA property. RiverLink has also received a $25,000 grant for stormwater and erosion control for the new greenway section from the Pigeon River Fund and has dedicated additional funds from the Winter Warmer Beer Festival and other donors towards its $60,000 goal.
They are excited about the progress, but additional funds need to be raised to implement the greenway. Long-time Montford residents Kevin & Jo Hogan are opening their home at 273 Pearson Drive for a benefit on Sunday, October 28th just for this purpose. Kevin was one of the pioneer artists in the Asheville River District who was burned out by the April 2, 1995 arson that occurred at the former Chesterfield Mill.
Festivities at the Hogans’ begin at 4:00 pm. Sponsors include RiverLink, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Nine Mile, Modesto, the Wedge Brewery, Clayworks and Hoss Haley. The Hogan’s will prepare Spit Roast Turkey as the main course for a wonderful feast. Your ticket will also enter you into a raffle for a Hoss Haley bronze candelabra, a Josh Copus ceramic platter and a silk screen print by Kevin Hogan.
Tickets are $20 per person and additional raffle tickets may be purchased at $10 each. You do not have to be present to win. Call 254-4055 or e-mail scouser415@aol.com for tickets. Make checks out to the Montford Neighborhood Association and mail to 273 Pearson Dr., Asheville NC 28801. Please do so by October 21st. If you wish to pay by credit card contact RiverLink at www.riverlink.org or information@riverlink.org and note that this is for the Hogan House Party Benefit.