ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority approved $12.4 million in tourism-related capital investments for 2025, funding eight projects ranging from sports facilities to cultural venues across the county.

The grants, awarded through the Tourism Product Development Fund, include projects in Swannanoa, Black Mountain, downtown Asheville and Enka. Several will also help restore facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.

The allocations push the authority’s total community investments since 2001 to more than $100 million, according to Explore Asheville, which manages the funds. The program is supported entirely by occupancy taxes paid by overnight visitors.

“This year’s Tourism Product Development Fund investments are powerful commitments to supporting our community’s resilience,” Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville, said in a news release. “These investments, powered by lodging tax paid by visitors, align with the authority’s strategic imperatives and are dispersed throughout the county from Swannanoa and Black Mountain to downtown Asheville and Enka. Each project creates a compelling new reason for visitors and event organizers to choose Buncombe County while delivering tangible benefits that enhance pride, quality of life and experience for residents throughout Buncombe County.”

2025 awards

The largest grant — $4.5 million — will support Beacon Park in Swannanoa, transforming the former Beacon Blanket Mill into a public green space with bike facilities, climbing walls, a walking loop and concert space for up to 4,000 people.

“On behalf of the Beacon Foundation and the community of Swannanoa, we are incredibly thankful for this historic investment from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority,” Swannanoa native and Beacon Foundation Co-founder & President Casey Watkins said in a statement. “This grant and the space it will help create are more than a step forward in recovering from years of challenges; it’s a rebirth. This is a turning point for Swannanoa, and we couldn’t be more honored than to be able to help carry this vision forward.”

Other awards include:

• JBL Soccer Complex, Enka: $2.16 million to replace artificial turf, repair stormwater systems and restore lighting across 16 fields.
• Enka Recreation Destination, Phase II: $1.98 million for turf, lighting, playgrounds and ADA upgrades at Buncombe County Sports Park.
• Warren Wilson College Aquatics Center: $1.6 million for a six-lane pool and competition facility.
• White Horse Black Mountain: $736,500 for a four-season patio and deck expansion at the nonprofit music venue.
• UNC Asheville Tennis Complex: $500,000 for six competition courts and a tennis building.
• Bob Lewis Ballpark, Enka: $220,000 for amenities including shade canopies, safety fencing and pedestrian trails.
• Asheville Museum of Science: $189,500 to expand its downtown location with new exhibit and lab space.

The authority expedited two additional projects in May, including parking improvements at Bob Lewis Ballpark and storm repairs at JBL Soccer Complex, bringing this year’s combined commitments to more than $13 million.

The next round of funding from the separate Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund is scheduled to open in April 2026.