A nearly $12 million community destination will bring mountain biking, climbing, walking trails, concerts and family-friendly activities to the former Beacon Blanket Factory property.
Swannanoa is getting ready for a new chapter, with Beacon Park expected to open in late spring 2027. The project will turn the historic Beacon Blanket Factory property into an outdoor recreation and community gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Led by the nonprofit Beacon Foundation, the nearly $12 million development is designed to honor Swannanoa’s industrial heritage while creating new opportunities for recreation, tourism, community events and local business growth.
A New Place for Outdoor Recreation
One of the park’s main draws will be Beacon Bike Park, featuring what is expected to be the largest paved pump track of its kind in North and South America.
Built with pump track specialists Velosolutions and Pisgah Trail Co., the bike park will offer paved and natural-surface trails for beginners, families, experienced riders and professional athletes.
The pump track has banked corners and rolling hills that let riders build speed, improve their skills and have a great time on two wheels. Through connections with organizations including Velosolutions, Red Bull and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Beacon Bike Park hopes to bring in riders and visitors from around the world.
Other outdoor amenities will include:
- Professional-grade outdoor climbing and bouldering walls
- A one-mile paved walking loop
- A playground and family recreation areas
- Pavilions and gathering spaces
- Yoga, breathwork, camps, clinics and educational programs
Live Music, Festivals and Community Gatherings
Beacon Park will also be a new home for live music and community celebrations.
The park’s outdoor event lawn will have a stage and a gently sloping amphitheater with room for up to 4,000 people. Concerts, festivals and special events will give residents and visitors new chances to enjoy music together outdoors.
The Live on the Lawn concert series is expected to start in spring 2027, with the first lineup expected to be announced November 17, 2026.
Beyond concerts, Beacon Park plans to host farmers markets, youth programs, seasonal celebrations and other events that bring people together all year long.
Recreation for Everyone
A big part of Beacon Park’s mission is keeping outdoor recreation within reach for local families.
Through its Zero Barrier Model, the foundation plans to offer pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward options for certain activities, so cost doesn’t keep anyone from joining in.
Public spaces throughout the park will be free to enjoy, while select attractions, including the family bike track, will have flexible payment options.
The goal is a welcoming place where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the outdoors, stay active and spend time together.
A New Chapter for Swannanoa After Hurricane Helene
Beacon Park is a major investment in Swannanoa’s future as the community continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Swannanoa Valley in September 2024.
The storm delayed parts of construction and made fundraising harder. The project received a $4.5 million investment from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority through its 2025 Tourism Product Development Fund.
Beyond recreation and entertainment, Beacon Park is expected to support local businesses, create jobs and help bring new life to Swannanoa.
The park sits alongside the growing Beacon Village district and nearby locally owned businesses, including Short Sleeves Coffee and Daymakers Slider Bar.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Beacon Park is more than a new park. It’s a chance to build lasting community connections, support local businesses and put Swannanoa on the map for cycling, outdoor fun, live music and family activities.
As construction continues, there’s a lot to look forward to: a place that brings new energy to the Swannanoa Valley while honoring the history of the property and the people who shaped this community.
Beacon Park is expected to open in late spring 2027.
Check back here for updates on Beacon Park’s construction, upcoming events and opening news.