 | asheville business & community directory |
|
This is an archived page that may contain outdated or incorrect information. Please visit www.Asheville.com for the latest news, events, and more.
The dream of improving this space has been revived periodically over the years, and, in 1999, a water leak under a street in Pack Square brought the topic to the forefront once again. As it became clear that extensive work would be required to update water lines in the area, a citizens' group launched a discussion about creating a beautiful new public park that would embrace Pack Square and City-County Plaza. Community and business leaders and elected officials joined the conversation and formed the Pack Square Renaissance task force, which began the lengthy task of planning the 6.5-acre park.In October 2000, Pack Square Conservancy was established as a non-profit organization charged with designing, building and funding the new park. The planning and design process continued for several years and included 24 public workshops and forums in which hundreds of citizens voiced their preferences for a variety of features. The most popular requests were for open green space, water features, original art by regional artists, a large performance stage and public restrooms. Construction on the park infrastructure began in the east end of the park in late 2005. Thanks to the generous contributions and hard work of hundreds of people, Pack Square Park is no longer just a dream! Historic Pack Square opened in stages over the summer of 2009, and the fences came down in Roger McGuire Green on September 25. Life is returning to the park as families and friends gather to admire the fountains, the handmade tiles on the stage, the Veterans� Memorial and the lush green grass. Jazz and blues singer Kat Williams and her ensemble will headline the official opening of Pack Square Park�s Grand Opening Season on Friday, May 28. Her performance is the highlight of a full evening of ceremonies, performances and special surprises in Roger McGuire Green at the east end of the park in the heart of downtown Asheville. The event will get underway at 5:30 p.m. with welcome ceremonies and an official ribbon-cutting. The sensational teen band Skinny Legs & All will launch their �booty-grooving madness� at 6:30 followed at 7:30 by the Kat Williams Jazz Ensemble. The audience is invited to bring picnics and spend the evening enjoying the free festivities. Parking is available for $1 an hour in the College Street Parking Deck. Buncombe County will donate parking proceeds from the evening to Pack Square Park. A number of downtown restaurants will have Picnic in the Park menus for take-out. Advance notice may be required. Information about the event and the park is available at packsquarepark.org or at 828.252.2300. For tickets or more information, please visit mannafoodbank.org. (Images provided by Pack Square Park.)
Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out Asheville.com's comprehensive visitor center.
|
