Press Release: EWB-USA Collaborates with RiverLink and RTX's Pratt & Whitney to Build Flood-Resilient Gateway Park in Asheville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2025
EWB-USA Collaborates with RiverLink and RTX’s Pratt & Whitney to Build Flood-Resilient Gateway Park in Asheville
Asheville, N.C. – Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA), RiverLink and Equinox Environmental, with support from RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, are working together to build Asheville’s new Gateway Park one year after Hurricane Helene.
The park, a 1.3-acre greenspace along the French Broad River owned by RiverLink, will feature a flood-resilient pavilion, pathways, and community gathering areas designed by Equinox. The new park design will also include modifications from EWB-USA volunteers to ensure the park can withstand future flooding and debris impacts, which will help improve resiliency and ensure the space will remain a safe, accessible, and lasting community asset. Gateway Park builds on RiverLink’s decades-long vision for the French Broad corridor, transforming former industrial land into vibrant public spaces. Once complete, the park will provide bike and pedestrian connections, community gathering areas, and ecological restoration — including pollinator gardens, invasive species removal, and green stormwater management.
“EWB-USA builds a more sustainable and equitable world through engineering,” said Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA. “Gateway Park is a powerful example of how we can come together with local and global organizations like RiverLink and RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, respectively, to design a space for residents that strengthens resilience, stimulates recovery, and drives hope.”
The initiative is supported by Community Engineering Corps, EWB-USA’s domestic program, and volunteers from RTX’s EWB-USA Chapter. Together, the relationships underscore the importance of investing not only in disaster response, but in long-term, preventative infrastructure that strengthens communities against future challenges.
"Recovery takes years after a storm like Hurricane Helene," said Dan Field, Asheville General Manager at Pratt & Whitney. “Our engineers across the state and the country are helping to create a Gateway Park that's both a symbol of resilience and community preparedness. Through collaborations like this, we're helping protect our community from future natural disasters."
The announcement of EWB-USA’s collaboration with Gateway Park coincides with several upcoming events and milestones including Pratt & Whitney’s centennial commemoration of revolutionizing military and commercial aviation.
About Engineers Without Borders USA
Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) is a nonprofit organization advancing sustainable, community-driven engineering solutions that meet basic human needs. Since 2002, the organization has completed more than 1,200 projects in over 700 communities, improving the lives of more than 5.2 million people. In 2024 alone, EWB-USA reached over 325,000 people, with a majority of projects focused on expanding access to safe water. EWB-USA is committed to developing globally minded leaders who will continue shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.
About RiverLink
RiverLink is a regional nonprofit revitalizing the French Broad River and its watershed as a place for everyone to live, work, and play. Through land conservation, water quality improvements, and community partnerships, RiverLink has created beloved parks and greenways throughout Asheville.
About RTX and Pratt & Whitney
RTX is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, dedicated to advancing technology and strengthening communities. Pratt & Whitney, celebrating its centennial in 2025, designs, manufactures and services aircraft engines and auxiliary power units with a focus on sustainability and innovation.