Hurricane Helene Recovery Updates
Damascus is open and eager to welcome you back!
Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene last September, Damascus, Virginia has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a commitment to community. Through an incredible outpouring of support and neighbors helping one another, Damascus is not only recovering from disaster but actively building a brighter future together.
In September 2024, right before the much-anticipated peak fall tourism season, Hurricane Helene flooded downtown Damascus and the surrounding low-lying areas. The water level on Laurel Creek measured at 18 feet before the gauge washed away entirely. Just downstream, Laurel Creek carried away trucks, campers, and homes, which destroyed one road bridge and dammed up another, resulting in widespread flooding throughout downtown. The area lost power, water, and cell tower communications for several days. In just a matter of a few hours, the storm also destroyed the upper 17 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail, washed out portions of US-58 and Route 91, and closed over 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Virginia. Everything surrounding Damascus, Virginia has since been quickly restored and reopened, except for the remaining closure of the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is under restoration by the US Forest Service.
For decades now, the many trails of Damascus, Virginia have been a source of economic growth and vitality. We are open for business and our local businesses eagerly welcome visitors back to town. Damascus successfully hosted another big Trail Days weekend in May, as well as some brand-new events for 2025: Damascus Trout Days, the Damascus Adventure Moto DAM 200, and Kids' Fishing Day.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles.
Grayson Highlands State Park is OPEN and ready for visitors.
The Appalachian Trail is OPEN for its full 2,200 mile length, thanks to thousands of volunteer hours.
Damascus is resilient. We are rebuilding better than ever. We are OPEN. Damascus Strong.
Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene last September, Damascus, Virginia has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a commitment to community. Through an incredible outpouring of support and neighbors helping one another, Damascus is not only recovering from disaster but actively building a brighter future together.
In September 2024, right before the much-anticipated peak fall tourism season, Hurricane Helene flooded downtown Damascus and the surrounding low-lying areas. The water level on Laurel Creek measured at 18 feet before the gauge washed away entirely. Just downstream, Laurel Creek carried away trucks, campers, and homes, which destroyed one road bridge and dammed up another, resulting in widespread flooding throughout downtown. The area lost power, water, and cell tower communications for several days. In just a matter of a few hours, the storm also destroyed the upper 17 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail, washed out portions of US-58 and Route 91, and closed over 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Virginia. Everything surrounding Damascus, Virginia has since been quickly restored and reopened, except for the remaining closure of the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is under restoration by the US Forest Service.
For decades now, the many trails of Damascus, Virginia have been a source of economic growth and vitality. We are open for business and our local businesses eagerly welcome visitors back to town. Damascus successfully hosted another big Trail Days weekend in May, as well as some brand-new events for 2025: Damascus Trout Days, the Damascus Adventure Moto DAM 200, and Kids' Fishing Day.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles.
Grayson Highlands State Park is OPEN and ready for visitors.
The Appalachian Trail is OPEN for its full 2,200 mile length, thanks to thousands of volunteer hours.
Damascus is resilient. We are rebuilding better than ever. We are OPEN. Damascus Strong.
Virginia Creeper Trail Updates
The U.S. Forest Service has announced the award of the design-build contract for the Virginia Creeper Trail to Kiewit Corporation, headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. This contract, valued at $240,580,432.00, will encompass the full rebuild of the devastated upper 17-mile section of the trail between Damascus and Whitetop Station. This section of the trail remains under strict closure for the duration of the construction period, until otherwise noted.
(posted November 6, 2025)
Further updates will be shared here as they become available.
TRAIL OPEN: ABINGDON TO DAMASCUS
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Our bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section of the Virginia Creeper Trail. NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Find lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more at VisitDamascus.org.
TRAIL CLOSURE: WHITETOP STATION TO DAMASCUS
For public safety, the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area remains CLOSED by Forest Order. The tread has variable levels of damage, from being undercut in places along the streambank to outright missing in other areas due to landslides and slope failures. Access to the trail is limited and dangerous, and 31 trestles are damaged or destroyed. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.
The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public, and the contract process for the reconstruction project is documented on SAM.gov:
The U.S. Forest Service has announced the award of the design-build contract for the Virginia Creeper Trail to Kiewit Corporation, headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. This contract, valued at $240,580,432.00, will encompass the full rebuild of the devastated upper 17-mile section of the trail between Damascus and Whitetop Station. This section of the trail remains under strict closure for the duration of the construction period, until otherwise noted.
(posted November 6, 2025)
Further updates will be shared here as they become available.
TRAIL OPEN: ABINGDON TO DAMASCUS
The Virginia Creeper Trail is OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus, about 17 miles. Our bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section of the Virginia Creeper Trail. NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Find lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more at VisitDamascus.org.
TRAIL CLOSURE: WHITETOP STATION TO DAMASCUS
For public safety, the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area remains CLOSED by Forest Order. The tread has variable levels of damage, from being undercut in places along the streambank to outright missing in other areas due to landslides and slope failures. Access to the trail is limited and dangerous, and 31 trestles are damaged or destroyed. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.
The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public, and the contract process for the reconstruction project is documented on SAM.gov:
Damascus Business Community Thrive Grant
The Damascus Business Community Thrive Grant exists to support Damascus, Virginia small businesses in implementing strategic growth plans that strengthen the town experience, attract tourists, serve our locals, & foster collaboration. Five, $1250 grants will be awarded to five businesses that are selected based on the review and score of their application, along with their participation in four core areas over a 6-month time frame.
Applications are due by 12/5/25.
Applicants will be notified by e-mail on 12/19/25.
Funds will be awarded after 6/30/26.
Questions? Please contact K.T. Martin, Events & Economic Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
The Damascus Business Community Thrive Grant exists to support Damascus, Virginia small businesses in implementing strategic growth plans that strengthen the town experience, attract tourists, serve our locals, & foster collaboration. Five, $1250 grants will be awarded to five businesses that are selected based on the review and score of their application, along with their participation in four core areas over a 6-month time frame.
Applications are due by 12/5/25.
Applicants will be notified by e-mail on 12/19/25.
Funds will be awarded after 6/30/26.
Questions? Please contact K.T. Martin, Events & Economic Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
Damascus, Virginia: Rebuilding Stronger One Year Post-Helene
The Town of Damascus hosted a press conference and guided tours on September 16-17, 2025. Town officials and regional partners provided important updates on tourism growth, recovery efforts, and key milestones marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene.
These Media Days highlighted how one of Virginia’s most iconic outdoor destinations has rebounded and invested in its future following a devastating natural disaster. The announcements, ribbon-cutting, and media tours provided timely, visual, and story-rich opportunities for coverage of both community resilience and regional tourism momentum.
The tours highlighted local businesses and showcased how Damascus is leveraging tourism to fuel recovery and economic growth. Media were invited to attend for a firsthand look at the community’s ongoing transformation.
More information on ongoing recovery efforts in the press kit below:
The Town of Damascus hosted a press conference and guided tours on September 16-17, 2025. Town officials and regional partners provided important updates on tourism growth, recovery efforts, and key milestones marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene.
These Media Days highlighted how one of Virginia’s most iconic outdoor destinations has rebounded and invested in its future following a devastating natural disaster. The announcements, ribbon-cutting, and media tours provided timely, visual, and story-rich opportunities for coverage of both community resilience and regional tourism momentum.
The tours highlighted local businesses and showcased how Damascus is leveraging tourism to fuel recovery and economic growth. Media were invited to attend for a firsthand look at the community’s ongoing transformation.
More information on ongoing recovery efforts in the press kit below:
DONATE TO TRAILS TO RECOVERY
Trails to Recovery formed as a new local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people of Southwest Virginia after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 100% of donations go directly to residential home restoration, business recovery, and Virginia Creeper Trail revitalization in Washington County. Trails to Recovery has a fundraising goal of four million dollars to rebuild the affected communities of Alvarado, Damascus, Green Cove, Konnarock, Taylors Valley, and Whitetop. From September 2024 to July 2025, Trails to Recovery has raised nearly $1.7 million in private donations, completed 83 residential home repairs, and rebuilt 8 homes for Washington County residents.
Trails to Recovery formed as a new local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people of Southwest Virginia after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 100% of donations go directly to residential home restoration, business recovery, and Virginia Creeper Trail revitalization in Washington County. Trails to Recovery has a fundraising goal of four million dollars to rebuild the affected communities of Alvarado, Damascus, Green Cove, Konnarock, Taylors Valley, and Whitetop. From September 2024 to July 2025, Trails to Recovery has raised nearly $1.7 million in private donations, completed 83 residential home repairs, and rebuilt 8 homes for Washington County residents.
Ongoing Resources for Damascus Area Residents
Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT)
VDAT is a team of trained local outreach specialists dedicated to supporting the community through this challenging time. They serve to connect survivors with vital resources and referrals, provide emotional support and a listening ear, foster community connections, and share valuable educational tools and guidance. This is a grant-funded program through Highlands Community Services, made possible through a FEMA/SAMHSA partnership. Need support? Call 1-833-442-7272.
| vdat-information-flyer.pdf |
United Way Citizen Recovery Program
The CRP provides financial assistance for citizens who are recovering from Hurricane Helene. Funding will be provided as a payment directly to the business, vendor, landlord, or contractor that will be supplying your recovery efforts. CRP can assist with home and landscaping damage, education or home supplies, food shortage or loss, medical needs, and rent or utility assistance. More information.
The CRP provides financial assistance for citizens who are recovering from Hurricane Helene. Funding will be provided as a payment directly to the business, vendor, landlord, or contractor that will be supplying your recovery efforts. CRP can assist with home and landscaping damage, education or home supplies, food shortage or loss, medical needs, and rent or utility assistance. More information.
|
|
|
Damascus Recovery Timelines
- Virginia Creeper Trail from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus - OPEN
- HWY 91, Damascus to Mountain City - OPEN
- Appalachian Trail, VA/TN line to Elk Garden - OPEN
- US-58, Damascus to Whitetop (reopened May 2025, six months early) - OPEN
- VDOT Bridge on Orchard Hill Road - closed, expected completion August 2026
- VDOT Bridge in Taylors Valley - detour, bridge replacement expected completion January 2026
- VDOT Bridge on Grassy Ridge Road - work ongoing, expected completion November 2025
- Virginia Creeper Trail, Whitetop Station to Damascus - closed, US Forest Service restoration timeline pending
- "Trails to Recovery" Home Repairs & Reconstruction - completed approximately 100 home repairs & rebuilds
Construction & Recovery Efforts
- Please reference the Damascus Zoning Map for floodplain areas. Maps, Plans & Reports (top of page).
- Washington County Department of Building & Development Services: Building permits for the county and town apply to ALL construction and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. The county permit fee is waived for recovery-related projects and for the town permit a fee does not apply.
- There is a 1-year waiver for storm-related storage containers. A completed zoning form is required for our Town records. Marty Berry, Code Enforcement Officer, can be reached at [email protected].
- Resource for Disaster Recovery: Avoiding Fraud, Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). For inquiries about licensed contractors, please contact Jeffrey Buckley, VA DPOR Investigations Supervisor, at [email protected] or (276) 608-7296.
- Homes and commercial buildings constructed before the 1980s may contain asbestos materials that require specialized removal. Use caution; more information.
|
|
| ||||||
General Updates for the Damascus area
- Town road closures: Local traffic only on Rutledge St, Appalachian Trail Dr, Legion St, Orchard Hill Rd, and Adkins St.
- Washington County has a new app. Download "My Washington VA" to access information, view the latest updates, receive notifications, and more. This app has replaced Nixle, the former reverse 911 system, and all emergency alerts will now come through this app. Visit washcova.com to sign up for email-only notifications. More information.
- Local stream level gauges can be found here: Laurel Creek (NOAA gauge), South Fork Holston (USGS gauge). Stay tuned to local media and weather reporting in the event of emergency alerts and flood warnings.
- New Beaverdam Creek Gauge: The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has added a water level gauge to Beaverdam Creek at Water Street. Access water level data here.
- Damascus Press Contact: Julie Kroll, Town of Damascus, recreation.director (at) damascus.org.
Damascus Small Businesses & Economic Recovery
Rebuilding stronger after Helene - Damascus is back and better than ever! For many years, the Damascus tourism economy has been centered on visitors coming to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail. With the upper half of the trail still closed, the Town of Damascus and local businesses are working hard to leverage the many open outdoor recreation assets nearby and grow existing audiences in hiking, biking, fishing, dual-sport and motorized recreation, events, and more. Damascus has many trails and tourism assets to celebrate and continued growth will only strengthen Damascus tourism once the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail returns.
In addition to FEMA Public Assistance and the restoration of infrastructure, economic recovery and support for small businesses has been a top priority from the start. Town manager Chris Bell says, “While the flood brought devastating damage to our community, we are committed not only to restoring what we lost, but to building a more resilient and diverse economy. This is our chance to highlight all the outdoor recreational assets that make Damascus so special - from our world-class trout fishing to adventure biking on our backcountry trails. We will emerge from this stronger and with a renewed vision for our future.”
Rebuilding stronger after Helene - Damascus is back and better than ever! For many years, the Damascus tourism economy has been centered on visitors coming to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail. With the upper half of the trail still closed, the Town of Damascus and local businesses are working hard to leverage the many open outdoor recreation assets nearby and grow existing audiences in hiking, biking, fishing, dual-sport and motorized recreation, events, and more. Damascus has many trails and tourism assets to celebrate and continued growth will only strengthen Damascus tourism once the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail returns.
In addition to FEMA Public Assistance and the restoration of infrastructure, economic recovery and support for small businesses has been a top priority from the start. Town manager Chris Bell says, “While the flood brought devastating damage to our community, we are committed not only to restoring what we lost, but to building a more resilient and diverse economy. This is our chance to highlight all the outdoor recreational assets that make Damascus so special - from our world-class trout fishing to adventure biking on our backcountry trails. We will emerge from this stronger and with a renewed vision for our future.”
- Immediate Impacts: The Town saw significant impacts to visitation for the Fall 2024 season. Meals and lodging tax was down 70% year-over-year for October and November 2024. Additionally, many businesses had already incurred significant expenses from merchandise and food orders in preparation for the peak fall season.
- Meals & Lodging Tax Metrics: The fiscal year 2025, from July 2024 to June 2025, showed a 28% decrease in lodging tax revenue year-over-year, reflecting a decrease in overnight visitation. However, meals tax revenue for the same period had only a 1% decrease in meals tax revenue, which is nominal. This is attributed to strong support from both recovery workers and the Damascus trade area. Ongoing local support of our Damascus businesses will be critical to continued success in economic recovery.
Bad Bagel's Pet Emporium
|
The Damascus Diner grand reopening
|
Green Cove Collective
|
New Businesses in 2025:
- Angie opened Bad Bagel's Pet Emporium as a shared storefront with Main Street Sweets & Eats at 124 East Laurel Ave. They offer locally sourced, small batch pet food and treats, plus toys, gear, and fun accessories. You may have met them at the Damascus Farmers Market - now you can stop by and stock up on treats anytime!
- Next door, Scott and Alison opened a new Green Cove Collective location downtown at 126 East Laurel Ave. They have the same great selection as their mountain shop (temporarily closed) along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Green Cove. Stop by this lifestyle outdoor brand and shop around for the perfect gift!
- Cardinal Furniture and Cabinetry is now open at 106 S Reynolds St. James and Elizabeth moved to Damascus in late 2024 and bring their skills in woodworking services, including custom furniture and cabinetry. Be sure to check out their custom signs!
- The Brinker family has reintroduced their boutique hotel, formerly Brinkwaters, as The Speckled Trout Outpost. Located at 201 West Laurel Ave. New name, same love of the outdoors and modern hospitality. They have another spot on Laurel Ave planned for their second location of The Speckled Trout Outfitters.
- The Tipsy Bear opened back in the fall at 338 Douglas Drive and specializes in food from pizza to tenders and burgers, plus a full bar on the patio. Make plans for trivia on Thursday nights, karaoke on Friday nights, live music on most Saturdays, and a new Bloody Mary bar on Sundays!
- Damascus Pizza opened in July 2025 at 744 N. Beaver Dam Ave #6 across from Food City. A sister location to Pizza Land in Abingdon, they are open daily and offer pizza, calzones, strombolis, pasta, salads, wings, and more.
- Stone Fly Co. opened in August 2025 as the only fly fishing shop directly on the Virginia Creeper Trail, located at 121 Commerce Street. Local fishing guides Hunter and Anya Faust are expanding their business to offer a curated selection of gear, apparel, and handpicked flies tailored to the rivers and streams of Southwest Virginia.
- Nearby, just outside of town, the new Fig Tree Flower Farm offers seasonal cut flowers, glamping at their unique geodesic dome, handpainted barn quilts, and hands-on experiences.
- Along for the Ride - A new Airbnb experience: stay in two authentic train cabooses along the Virginia Creeper Trail. More info at the Along for the Ride website and press release.
- Trail Town Mini Golf - A new indoor mini golf experience opening at the former Dollar General building.
Find your way to Damascus, Virginia:
|
|
|
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
- Approximately 140 structures in Damascus were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene, resulting in an estimated loss of $10 to $12 million across residents, businesses, and public infrastructure. A total of 12,086 cubic yards of debris was removed from Damascus, including construction and demolition, vegetative, and waterway debris.
- FEMA Public Assistance: The Town of Damascus reported $805k in qualifying damages to town-owned buildings and infrastructure, approximately half of which has been received or obligated to date. Projects have included town hall and fire station renovations, road paving, brick sidewalk restoration, tread repairs to the town-owned portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, park restoration, stormwater infrastructure repairs, and more. FEMA Public Assistance permanent repair work projects are ongoing.
- Pending & Ongoing Town Projects: Recovery is still ongoing in many ways, and storm-related, grant-funded projects are expected to continue through at least 2028, with an estimated $3.5 million in planned projects that will include streambank stabilization, parks restoration, urban and community forestry, and stormwater infrastructure.
- FEMA Individual Assistance: Washington County residents received a total of $2.4 million in individual assistance, of which $2.1 million was within the Damascus address.
- Volunteer Support: During the immediate response phase in just the first month post-Helene, the Town of Damascus estimated at least 20,000 volunteer hours to support search and rescue, debris removal and muck-out, temporary repairs, resource distribution, and more.
- Additional Public Safety & Mitigation: Washington County has announced a new alert system via mobile app, My Washington VA. Stream level gauges have been reinstalled on Laurel Creek and Beaverdam Creek by NOAA and VDEM, respectively. The US Forest Service is conducting salvage timber sales and debris removal in the national forest and anticipates prescribed burns in the area in 2026.
Town Updates on FEMA Public Assistance Permanent Repair Work
Roads - Work Completed
Work Description: This project encompasses the repair of asphalt roads, curbs, and shoulders within Town limits. Contractors are responsible for the repair and rehabilitation of asphalt road, shoulder, and curb on twelve roadways throughout the Town of Damascus. This work includes addressing existing pavement distresses, improving ride quality, and extending the service life of the roadways after the damage they sustained during Hurricane Helene flooding. Work may include, but is not limited to, pothole repair, crack sealing, milling & overlay, and full-depth patching.
Brick Sidewalks - Work Completed; Concrete Sidewalks - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompassed the comprehensive replacement and installation of four sections of brick sidewalks on the Friendship Path and AT Community Pathway along Laurel Ave in Damascus, as well as the repair of sections of concrete sidewalks throughout the downtown corridor. The work began with the removal and/or disposal of existing brick sidewalk materials. Following removal, thorough site preparation was conducted to ensure precise grading and leveling to achieve proper drainage and to ensure a stable sub-base for the new brick installation. The goal of this project was to return the Helene-damaged sidewalks to their original condition, while also increasing the resilience of these high-impact sections of sidewalk. The custom bricks that were salvaged were placed as close to their original location as possible.
Town Buildings - Work Completed
Work Description: This project encompassed the repair and renovation of the Damascus Town Hall, Fire Station, and Laurel Creek Park bathrooms. The interior restorations included flooring, wall, and door replacement and repair; wall painting and sealing; reset of bathroom fixtures, installation of kitchen equipment, and minor electrical work. During this process, Town Hall was modified to accommodate American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, the addition of a single office/meeting space, reconfiguration of the mechanical room, renovation of the breakroom, Fire Hall sheetrock installation, restoration of two office windows, and floodproofing of exterior entrances to Town Hall and Laurel Creek Park bathrooms.
Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus Town Park to Drowning Ford Road - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses minor repairs to the tread of the Virginia Creeper Trail along the section that is owned by the Town of Damascus. Leveling, grading, and tamping of various layers of gravel will need to be performed in order to return the trail to its pre-Helene condition. Restoration will be geared towards ensuring resiliency and proper drainage conditions.
Town Park - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses minor repairs to the walking loop trail of the Town Park. Installation of a weed-barrier cloth along with the leveling, grading, and tamping of finely crushed gravel will need to be performed in order to return the trail to its pre-Helene condition. An additional part of this repair was to replace the washed out portions of the playground area with new mulch in order to ensure the structure is a safe area for children to play. Restoration will be geared towards ensuring resiliency and proper drainage conditions.
Laurel Creek Park, Stage & Pavilion Area - Work Started
Work Description: This project outlines the comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the outdoor pavilion area at Laurel Creek Park that was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene floodwaters. Work includes debris removal, sediment clearing, and thorough cleaning and replacement of all affected surfaces including the pavilion structure, benches, and surrounding hardscaping. Repair and replacement of the wooden sculpture, picnic tables, and benches will also be completed. The restoration will also include landscaping cleanup and replacement. The goal is to return the pavilion area to its pre-flood condition, making it a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing public gathering space once again.
Laurel Creek Park, Multi-Use Path - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompasses the extensive repair and reconstruction of the paved walking path at Laurel Creek Park that collapsed into the river during the flooding of Hurricane Helene. The scope of work will include stabilization of the riverbank, re-establishment of the path’s structural integrity, and the rebuild of the lost section to pre-flood specifications. Work will involve site surveys and engineering reports, excavation, foundation work, retaining wall construction, drainage improvements, and surfacing of the path. The aim is to ensure the path is resilient to future high-water events, safe for public use, and seamlessly integrated with the existing trail networks in Town, restoring community access and recreation.
Creekside Park - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompasses the comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the riverbank area of Creekside Park that was significantly impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene. Key tasks involve extensive debris and sediment removal from the riverbank. The scope of work will include leveling and grading of the surface area, the stabilization of eroded riverbanks, and the repair and the rebuilding of damaged benches. Efforts will focus on restoring the natural habitat of the area and preventing future erosion through appropriate landscaping and ecological techniques. The primary objective is to return Creekside Park to a safe, accessible, and environmentally sound condition that is ready for public enjoyment.
Dog Park Area - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses the comprehensive replacement and restoration of the Dog Park area that was significantly impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene. Necessary repairs include grading and leveling of the ground; re-seeding the dirt to replenish the grassy park area; and installation of fencing, signage, benches, and trash receptacles.
Roads - Work Completed
Work Description: This project encompasses the repair of asphalt roads, curbs, and shoulders within Town limits. Contractors are responsible for the repair and rehabilitation of asphalt road, shoulder, and curb on twelve roadways throughout the Town of Damascus. This work includes addressing existing pavement distresses, improving ride quality, and extending the service life of the roadways after the damage they sustained during Hurricane Helene flooding. Work may include, but is not limited to, pothole repair, crack sealing, milling & overlay, and full-depth patching.
- Roads to be repaired: Trestle St., N. Beaver Dam Ave., Rutledge St., Daniel Boone St., S. Railroad Ave., Spur Line St., Appalachian Trail Dr., Bears Paw Ln., Mock Ave., Bank Ave., Liberty Ave., Extract St., and Haney St.
- Note that the scope of this project covers the town-owned roads in Damascus and does not include pending work on the VDOT roads within town limits.
Brick Sidewalks - Work Completed; Concrete Sidewalks - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompassed the comprehensive replacement and installation of four sections of brick sidewalks on the Friendship Path and AT Community Pathway along Laurel Ave in Damascus, as well as the repair of sections of concrete sidewalks throughout the downtown corridor. The work began with the removal and/or disposal of existing brick sidewalk materials. Following removal, thorough site preparation was conducted to ensure precise grading and leveling to achieve proper drainage and to ensure a stable sub-base for the new brick installation. The goal of this project was to return the Helene-damaged sidewalks to their original condition, while also increasing the resilience of these high-impact sections of sidewalk. The custom bricks that were salvaged were placed as close to their original location as possible.
Town Buildings - Work Completed
Work Description: This project encompassed the repair and renovation of the Damascus Town Hall, Fire Station, and Laurel Creek Park bathrooms. The interior restorations included flooring, wall, and door replacement and repair; wall painting and sealing; reset of bathroom fixtures, installation of kitchen equipment, and minor electrical work. During this process, Town Hall was modified to accommodate American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, the addition of a single office/meeting space, reconfiguration of the mechanical room, renovation of the breakroom, Fire Hall sheetrock installation, restoration of two office windows, and floodproofing of exterior entrances to Town Hall and Laurel Creek Park bathrooms.
Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus Town Park to Drowning Ford Road - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses minor repairs to the tread of the Virginia Creeper Trail along the section that is owned by the Town of Damascus. Leveling, grading, and tamping of various layers of gravel will need to be performed in order to return the trail to its pre-Helene condition. Restoration will be geared towards ensuring resiliency and proper drainage conditions.
Town Park - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses minor repairs to the walking loop trail of the Town Park. Installation of a weed-barrier cloth along with the leveling, grading, and tamping of finely crushed gravel will need to be performed in order to return the trail to its pre-Helene condition. An additional part of this repair was to replace the washed out portions of the playground area with new mulch in order to ensure the structure is a safe area for children to play. Restoration will be geared towards ensuring resiliency and proper drainage conditions.
Laurel Creek Park, Stage & Pavilion Area - Work Started
Work Description: This project outlines the comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the outdoor pavilion area at Laurel Creek Park that was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene floodwaters. Work includes debris removal, sediment clearing, and thorough cleaning and replacement of all affected surfaces including the pavilion structure, benches, and surrounding hardscaping. Repair and replacement of the wooden sculpture, picnic tables, and benches will also be completed. The restoration will also include landscaping cleanup and replacement. The goal is to return the pavilion area to its pre-flood condition, making it a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing public gathering space once again.
Laurel Creek Park, Multi-Use Path - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompasses the extensive repair and reconstruction of the paved walking path at Laurel Creek Park that collapsed into the river during the flooding of Hurricane Helene. The scope of work will include stabilization of the riverbank, re-establishment of the path’s structural integrity, and the rebuild of the lost section to pre-flood specifications. Work will involve site surveys and engineering reports, excavation, foundation work, retaining wall construction, drainage improvements, and surfacing of the path. The aim is to ensure the path is resilient to future high-water events, safe for public use, and seamlessly integrated with the existing trail networks in Town, restoring community access and recreation.
Creekside Park - Start Date TBD
Work Description: This project encompasses the comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the riverbank area of Creekside Park that was significantly impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene. Key tasks involve extensive debris and sediment removal from the riverbank. The scope of work will include leveling and grading of the surface area, the stabilization of eroded riverbanks, and the repair and the rebuilding of damaged benches. Efforts will focus on restoring the natural habitat of the area and preventing future erosion through appropriate landscaping and ecological techniques. The primary objective is to return Creekside Park to a safe, accessible, and environmentally sound condition that is ready for public enjoyment.
Dog Park Area - Work Started
Work Description: This project encompasses the comprehensive replacement and restoration of the Dog Park area that was significantly impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene. Necessary repairs include grading and leveling of the ground; re-seeding the dirt to replenish the grassy park area; and installation of fencing, signage, benches, and trash receptacles.
(updated September 10, 2025)
