Pack Square - Asheville, North Carolina - A Beautiful Park in the Making

Pack Square is an area in downtown Asheville, North Carolina that is being transformed into a public park with over 6.5 acres of space for visitors to relax and enjoy. The much-anticipated opening of Pack Square Park will happen in stages in 2009. The historic Pack Square is scheduled to be finished by the end of April 2009. The end of 2009 will complete the remainder of the park, Reuter Terrace and Roger McGuire Green, and a park pavilion should be completed in 2010. During this construction phase, events that traditionally take place in this space have been moved to temporary alternative locations.

In 1999, the historic Pack Square became a focus of attention for city officials and citizens alike because of a leak in a fountain that was causing subsurface erosion and undermining the streets. It was determined that significant repairs needed to take place. The Downtown Commission hosted a meeting and as a result the Pack Square Renaissance task force was formed. Over the next several years, construction was planned and initiated.

Pack Square Park has been supported by hundreds of people who love nature and history. Donors of $25,000 to over a million dollars have donated to make the park elements come to fruition. Their dedication has been recorded in the Donor Directory in the park pavilion.

Residents of the Pack Square district as well as those who work in the area are enthused about the green space in their own back yard. The park will provide a wonderful venue for new events, as well as Shindig on the Green, Bele Chere, the Greek Festival, the Fourth of July celebration and countless other events that have traditionally been held on the site. Dozens of benches and trees provide countless opportunities to rest and watch the world go by.

Families can enjoy the area with large plats of grass, several interactive water features, and great place to picnic. Shopping and restaurants are located nearby and within walking distance. The park provides a pedestrian-friendly environment with ease to get around downtown. Some of the area businesses include the Biltmore Building, Offices, and Staffing Center, Bistro 1896 (located at 7 Pack Square) is known for its broadly-appealing menu from a chef who offers contemporary American cuisine, Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center (located at Two South Pack Square) includes a variety of cultural assets as well as meeting rooms and creative spaces for special events, and the Asheville Lyric Opera that presents award-winning professional level opera in historic Pack Place.

Art lovers will appreciate the original works of area artists that are being incorporated into features in the park. Even regional school children have gotten in on the act, thanks to participating artist Kathy Triplett. More than 300 colorful tiles handmade by middle school students under her guidance will have a permanent place of honor in the park. The park is destined to be Asheville's cultural signature for the region.