The John B. Lewis Soccer Complex in East Asheville stands as a testament to resilience, repeatedly facing down the forces of nature and local flooding with remarkable tenacity. This cherished recreational hub, integral to the Asheville community, has once again found itself under siege, this time by the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Yet, even in the face of significant inundation, the spirit of JBL, as it’s affectionately known, remains unbroken.
Logo of Asheville Watchdog, the source of the original article about John B. Lewis Soccer Complex.
Driving past the complex recently, the scene was initially jarring – a landscape scarred by floodwaters. However, amidst the debris and silt, signs of recovery were already emerging. Work crews were diligently at work, excavating layers of silt from several fields to reveal the vibrant green artificial turf lying beneath. This proactive effort signals not just a cleanup, but a determined revival of a vital community asset named in honor of John B. Lewis.
For those familiar with the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex, the narrative of flooding is a recurring chapter in its history. Over the past two decades, the complex has weathered multiple significant flood events. The inaugural year of 2004 saw a particularly devastating flood that struck just as the complex was poised to open, burying the nascent fields under water and silt. Subsequent major floods in 2018 and 2019 further cemented the complex’s vulnerability to the Swannanoa River’s unpredictable nature.
Following Tropical Storm Helene, which inflicted widespread damage across Swannanoa, Biltmore Village, and areas bordering the Swannanoa River, initial fears were that the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex might have suffered irreparable damage. The site, nestled adjacent to the river, seemed particularly vulnerable to the storm’s destructive power.
Upon closer inspection of the Azalea Road entrance off Swannanoa River Road, the immediate aftermath resembled a battlefield. Trees lay uprooted, and debris was scattered across parking areas and field perimeters. A stark reminder of the flood’s force was the partial collapse of the bridge leading to Rec Park and the WNC Nature Center, with a section of it displaced and resting along the riverbank.
However, amidst this apparent devastation, a flurry of activity offered a glimmer of hope. A fleet of dump trucks and heavy machinery were engaged in a large-scale operation to remove silt and debris. On one field, a skid steer loader meticulously scraped away mud, revealing the surprisingly intact artificial turf. Despite likely being submerged under an estimated 20 feet of water during the peak of the storm on September 27th, the fields, to the untrained eye, appeared remarkably resilient. This initial observation sparked a hopeful question: could the city indeed bring the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex back to life?
Unexpected Assistance from Silt
Seeking a more informed perspective, contact was made with Chris Corl, the City of Asheville’s Director of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities. Asheville owns the complex, while the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA) manages the leagues that utilize the fields, serving a substantial community of around 6,500 youth and 2,000 adult players.
Corl clarified that the ongoing debris removal was being conducted by a contractor working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The cleanup operation at JBL had commenced on February 2nd, indicating the early stage of recovery observed.
“As of February 5th, the majority of field 4 had been unearthed,” Corl stated via email. “Work is expected to take at least three to four weeks to clear off the fields and complete debris removal throughout the park.” When questioned about costs, Corl explained that the debris removal was part of a broader city-wide contract, making it difficult to isolate specific expenses at this juncture.
The crucial question remained: could these vital soccer fields be salvaged? “At first glance, field 4 does seem to be salvageable; however, neither it nor the remaining three fields that have yet to be unearthed have been fully assessed,” Corl cautioned.
Dump trucks at John B. Lewis Soccer Complex removing silt and debris after flooding, highlighting the recovery efforts.
A meeting held at the complex on February 5th, involving city officials, ABYSA, and Astroturf—the turf contractor—provided an initial assessment of the field conditions and discussions about potential restoration strategies. “We intend to have the fields assessed after debris cleanup is completed to understand potential restoration costs and timelines,” Corl affirmed.
A city official noted that the current debris removal, facilitated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was not incurring direct costs for the city. Looking ahead to potential rebuilding, it is anticipated that FEMA would cover 90 percent of the expenses, with hopes that the state would contribute the remaining portion.
Intriguingly, the very silt that caused the damage might have also played a role in preserving the fields. “It seems that at least for field 4, the turf managed to survive due to the incredible amount of silt,” Corl remarked. “The silt in some places was as much as three feet thick and acted as an insulator from the later debris, which included trees, vehicles, portions of buildings, etc. One of the few cases where all of the silt was a good thing.” This unexpected protective layer offers a surprising silver lining in the aftermath of the flood.
A History Steeped in Flooding and Community Legacy
The John B. Lewis Soccer Complex’s history is inextricably linked with flooding. As previously documented, the complex faced a similar crisis in 2019, reopening only after nearly a year of closure due to flood damage from the preceding year. Contractors were finalizing a $1.1 million silt and mud cleanup from the 2018 flood when the 2019 flood struck, compounding the challenges. Of the $1.1 million cleanup cost from the 2018-19 floods, the city absorbed $875,000, with ABYSA contributing $200,000, a cost-sharing arrangement subsequently adjusted to favor the city.
Stumps and debris alongside the John B. Lewis Soccer field, illustrating the extent of flood damage and ongoing cleanup.
The land on which the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex sits carries its own rich history. It was once part of Lake Craig, a popular recreational destination in the early 20th century. A recent historical account in the Black Mountain News detailed the property’s transformation, noting that in 2002, the City of Asheville acquired the former Lake Craig site for $1.7 million to create new soccer fields as part of the Azalea Park project. Crucially, the new soccer complex was named in memory of John B. Lewis, a 16-year-old Asheville High School soccer player tragically killed in a car accident in 1998.
John B. Lewis’s parents demonstrated their commitment to this community project with a significant contribution of $350,000. However, even before its official opening, the complex faced its first flood challenge. “Unfortunately, when Hurricane Frances hit WNC in 2004, the turf waiting to be installed was lost to the flooding and delayed the opening,” the Black Mountain News reported. Since its eventual completion, the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex has endured flooding more than eight times, underscoring the persistent vulnerability of this location.
Mayor Manheimer Champions Swift Restoration
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer emphasized the profound community value of the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex, highlighting its contribution to the well-being of thousands of residents.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, advocating for the restoration of John B. Lewis Soccer Complex for community benefit.
“I hope to see these fields restored and made available for recreation as soon as possible,” Manheimer stated via email. Acknowledging the broader context of city-wide recovery efforts, she added, “Of course, there are many city recreational amenities that are in need of repair, and staff is working through this long list, project by project. It is no small undertaking.” Her statement underscores the city’s commitment to restoring recreational assets, with the John B. Lewis complex being a priority.
Mike Rottjakob, Executive Director of ABYSA, expressed cautious optimism regarding the complex’s prospects for recovery. He noted that a preliminary assessment by an Astroturf engineer indicated that key infrastructure, including the subsurface material beneath the turf, concrete curbing, and field bases, remained intact.
Rottjakob further emphasized the dual role of the soccer complex as both a vital community asset and an economic driver. In the fiscal year ending 2023, events and tournaments hosted at the JBL complex generated an impressive 20,000 hotel room nights, demonstrating its significant contribution to the local economy. “You can’t separate the quality of life from the economic impact, because both of them go hand in hand,” Rottjakob affirmed.
While acknowledging the understandable questions regarding the long-term viability of rebuilding in a flood-prone area, Rottjakob stressed the immediate need to address the community’s recreational needs. When asked about his preference for reopening the fields quickly, he responded, “That’s a really tough question to ask me, because it’s going to be a conversation between the city and ABYSA. It’s a very valid question about whether we should rebuild there or not, and we certainly understand that when you print your column, that there’s going to be people saying, ‘What are they thinking?’”
Heavy equipment at John B. Lewis soccer complex facilitating the removal of silt and debris post-flood.
The dilemma is clear: while some may advocate for immediate reopening, leveraging potential FEMA and state funding, others will question the wisdom of repeated investment in a location vulnerable to frequent flooding. The city faces complex decisions regarding the future of JBL, alongside other flood-impacted areas like the River Arts District and Biltmore Village.
The increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall events, potentially exacerbated by climate change, as highlighted in previous reports, further complicate the long-term outlook. While Tropical Storm Helene was characterized as a 1,000-year rainfall event, climate models suggest a trend towards more frequent heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of future flooding at riverside locations like the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. This raises the critical question of whether taxpayers should continue to bear the financial burden of repeated cleanups and repairs every few years.
Rottjakob recalled his previous statements in 2019, acknowledging taxpayer concerns about the escalating costs of flood recovery. He also pointed out the city’s flood mitigation efforts in 2015, designed to intentionally allow the soccer fields to flood more frequently to protect Biltmore Village, a factor in the complex’s ongoing flood vulnerability.
Relocation Challenges and the Path Forward
Corl confirmed that the feasibility of relocating the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex has been considered multiple times in the past. “There have been numerous times in the past that the question of moving these fields elsewhere has come up,” Corl stated. “Each time, unfortunately, it was cost-prohibitive to do so.” The significant financial implications of acquiring suitable land and constructing a new complex have consistently presented a major obstacle. Current discussions between the city and ABYSA are exploring all viable options.
Despite the challenges, Corl indicated that rebuilding in place might be the most practical approach, particularly in leveraging potential FEMA funding. “While it’s too early to say what the best path forward will be, Corl said “it does seem to be the case that our best opportunity to utilize FEMA funding towards replacement is to rebuild in place, if we are able to do so within the constraints of the site, and funding opportunities.”
The enduring popularity of soccer in the Asheville area and the recognized quality of the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex, when operational, underscore its importance to the community. The desire for a reliable, flood-free facility is evident, but the realities of location and funding present significant hurdles.
“We’re all aware of the need to increase our current number of functional fields within our community as soon as possible and are working closely with ABYSA to find the best path forward and a proper timeline,” Corl concluded. “For now, the best course of action is wait and see, hopefully we’ll have good news on the field assessments once completed after debris removal.”
Ultimately, Asheville faces difficult choices regarding the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. While some may argue against continued investment in a flood-prone location, the immediate need for recreational facilities and the potential for federal and state funding present compelling counterarguments. The community awaits the results of the field assessments and cost evaluations to inform the path forward. Reopening the complex in its current location, especially with external funding support, appears to be a strong near-term possibility. However, the long-term sustainability of the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex remains a critical question, demanding thoughtful consideration of both community needs and environmental realities.
Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team providing essential local news coverage for Asheville and Buncombe County. John Boyle, a long-time Asheville area journalist, can be reached at (828) 337-0941 or [email protected]. Support local journalism by donating to Asheville Watchdog at avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication.
