RiverLink celebrates opening of a new river access along the French Broad

On Wednesday, June 22 at 4:30 p.m., at the Pearson Bridge river access point on the French Broad River (behind French Broad Outfitters at 704 Riverside Drive), there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the access and the rebirth of what was once Riverside Park and later a landfill. There will be remarks by RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin, Councilwoman Gwen Wisler, and a Tourism Development Authority representative, who will also present a check for the effort.  There will also be celebratory beverages to celebrate the new river access and the success of the tenants in the building -- French Broad Outfitters -- and the 5 new businesses that have cropped up in the last 5 years. RiverLink purchased property, including an old tire store turned river outfitter, in this area to spur economic growth in this northern section of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan, developed by RiverLink in the early 1990's, has attracted over $200 million in highway funds. That vision is becoming a reality in the form of the RADTIP and the wave of economic development in the area.  The new river access at Pearson Bridge