The backbone of services provided by the recreation department continues to be the neighborhood-based programs, which provide a variety of recreational and leisure activities for all ages. Programs are designed for the working parent seeking afterschool care or summertime activities for their child, for the senior citizen wanting to engage in an interesting leisure pursuit or a unique social experience, and for the family of persons with disabilities looking for enriching recreational opportunities.
After School | Senior Programs | Summer Youth Programs | Therapeutic Recreation
After School Programs
The After School Program provides licensed child care, supervised recreation and enrichment activities to children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. The program operates during the school year in hours after school, teacher work days, and holidays. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, science, music, dance, homework time, and special events. Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. Nutritious snacks are provided daily. The program is co-sponsored by Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department and Asheville City Schools.
Locations
Vance Elementary School - 98 Sulphur Springs Rd., (828) 350-6611
Hours of Operation
After School: 2:30-6 p.m.
School Holidays and Teacher Workdays: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fees
Fees vary based on the number of children enrolled per family, frequency of attendance, and city residency. For more information, contact the site coordinator, or contact Kim Isley at (828) 350-2062 or kisley@ashevillenc.gov.
Registration
Register your child by visiting the site Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., and obtain an application and handbook. Make financial assistance inquiries to Buncombe County Child Services at (828) 250-6700. For more information on the Afterschool Program, contact Kim Isley at (828) 350-2062 or kisley@ashevillenc.gov.
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Senior Programs
Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is committed to providing a variety of quality programs and services targeted to our senior population through our recreation centers. From educational workshops and craft classes, to fitness activates and special events, we are focused on providing programs that are responsive to the needs of our seniors.
Harvest House | Senior Opportunity Center
N.C. Association of Senior Citizen Clubs - District 9
Join your local District IX of the NCASCC to meet new friends, enjoy special events, trips and state-wide senior events. Clubs are located at the Burton Street Center and the Shiloh Recreation Center. For information contact Dee Black at 259-5809 or dblack@ashevillenc.gov.
N.C. Association of Senior Citizen Clubs - State Conference
Join seniors from around North Carolina at the NCASCC State Conference in the fall with over 50 clubs and 300+ seniors in attendance. Get the latest on issues affecting the lives of seniors while having plenty of fun along with it. For information contact Dee Black at 259-5809 or dblack@ashevillenc.gov.
Calendar of Events
Feb - Valentine Social
June - Summer picnic at Lake Tomahawk
July - Outing - TBA
Fall - State Conference - TBA
December - Holiday Luncheon
Club Meetings
Club meetings take place on the second Tuesday each month at 10:30am at the Burton Street or Shiloh Complex. Call 254-1942 for a current meeting calendar.
Senior Games (May 17-19, 2012) and Silver Arts (May 22, 2012)
Senior Games entry form
Senior Games event schedule
Silver Arts Showcase entry form
Join area seniors (55 to 95+) for friendly competition in a variety of events May 17 – 19. Senior Games 2012 will kick off with Opening Ceremonies and Dinner on Tues, May 17 at the Reuter Center on the UNC-Asheville campus.
Events are scheduled for Thurs – Sat, May 17-19, and include individual as well as partner events. Artistic talent may opt for Silver Arts Showcase, a competition of the arts held on Tues, May 22, in conjunction with the closing awards ceremony and potluck dinner.
Senior Games provides events for a variety of interests and athletic ability, including billiards, swimming, cycling, track and field, bowling, golf, tennis, badminton, shuffleboard, croquet, horseshoes, table tennis, and basketball. Track Events include two race walks, along with short and long distance running races. Field Events offer discus, shot put, softball throw, spin casting, football throw, and standing or running long jumps. Cyclists can enter races in lengths from 1mile up to 40K, on a scenic course in the Madison County area. Swimmers can select shorter to longer lap races in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle, or medley. For those who prefer bowling, badminton or tennis, these events offer singles, doubles, or mixed doubles competition.
Silver Arts is a celebration of the creative expression of older adults in North Carolina and provides a showcase for the talent of artists in visual, heritage, literary, and performing arts. Categories for entering creative pieces or performances includes painting/drawing in varied media, sculpture, photography, poetry, short story, essay, basketry, needle arts, woodworking, pottery, jewelry, dance, comedy, drama and vocal performances.
Senior Games or Silver Arts entry fee is just $10 and covers all registrations, opening ceremonies, a t-shirt, and awards dinner. One note – golf and bowling require a separate activity fee, payable at the event. Spectators, family and friends are always welcome at any of the competitions, at no cost! Guests of Senior Games athletes can also attend either the opening or closing dinner events for only $5 each. With the “Buddy System” first-time participants who are sponsored as a “buddy” of a seasoned participant, can enter Senior Games or Silver Arts for a reduced “buddy rate” of only $8 per person.
Join the fun this spring by entering the Senior Games or the Silver Arts Showcase! For more event information, contact Dee Black at (828) 259-5809 or dblack@ashevillenc.gov.
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Summer Youth Programs
Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts is offering summer fun for kids with a variety of camps and special programs. For information or to register for any of these activities, call the contact person listed with each program. For other information about Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, call 259-5800 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov.
Summer Playground Program: June - August 2012
A supervised recreation program for rising first-fifth graders, located at Asheville area community centers. Activities include games, crafts, cultural arts and field trips. Runs 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For information and to register, contact your local community center or Allison Dains at adains@ashevillenc.gov.
Summer Teen Leadership Program: June - August 2012
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative to the traditional teen summer camps? Try the Teen Enrichment Program, which offers creative activities, diverse and creative projects, field trips and more. A nine-week program for youth ages 12-15. For additional information, contact Stephens-Lee Recreation Center at 350-2058 or Allison Dains at adains@ashevillenc.gov.
Therapeutic Recreation Summer Enrichment Camp: June - August 2012
An inclusive recreation program for youth ages 6-13 with or without mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays who meet eligibility requirements. One-on-one workers may come with participants, free of charge. Daily activities include group games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, special events and field trips. Runs 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Camp size is limited. For more information contact Randy Shaw, LRT/CTRS, 350-2048 or rshaw@ashevillenc.gov
Therapeutic Recreation Teen Summer Camp: June - August 2011
An eight-week inclusive summer recreation camp designed for middle and high school aged teens with or without mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays, who meet eligibility requirements. Daily activities include group games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, special events and field trips. Camp size is limited. Offered in cooperation with F.I.R.S.T. For more information and 2010 camp dates, contact Randy Shaw, LRT/CTRS, 350-2048 or rshaw@ashevillenc.gov
Summer Drama Camp: June - August 2012
Sponsored by: F.I.R.S.T
This is a 4 week theatre camp for youth, teens, and adults with disabilities who want to experience acting and drama. For more information contact Janet at 828-277-1315 or janet@firstwnc.org.
Outdoor Adventure Programs for Youth
For more information and to register, contact Christen McNamara at 251-4029 or email outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov. All dates subject to change with school calendar. Key: R=Asheville resident, NR=non-city resident
For more information and to register, contact Christen McNamara at 251-4029 or email . All dates subject to change with school calendar. Key: R=Asheville resident, NR=non-city resident
Adventure Camp: June & July sessions - 2012
Three, week-long sessions of camp for ages 8-12. Activities include hiking, swimming, rafting, caving, and camping. Camp runs 9am-5pm, Monday-Wednesday, with an overnight camp-out on Thursday night and pick up at noon on Friday. Camp meets at Montford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Drive. Each session limited to 12 campers. Campers must bring lunch and water daily, and provide own sleeping bag and pad.
Eco-Explorers Camp: June 2012
A three-day camp for ages 6-8, with an environmental education focus. Activities include hiking, climbing at the Montford Wall, stream investigation, and a field trip. Campers must bring lunch and water daily.
Teen Adventure Camp: July 2012
A three-day camp for ages 12-14, with an outdoor skills focus. This camp will include climbing at the Montford Wall, tubing, hiking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting or inflatable kayaking. Campers must bring lunch and water daily. Includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation.
Teen Canoe Camp Overnight:
Canoeing camp designed for teens 12 and older. Campers will canoe almost 25 miles on the New River in northern North Carolina. Participants must be able to swim 50 meters and be comfortable in the water. Campers will help set up and break down primitive camps, cook meals, and follow all safety rules.
Food Lion SkatePark
Skateboard camps for skaters ages 6-15 who wish to sharpen skills, focus on progression and have fun skating with peers. Runs 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. Cost: $75 per session. At the corner of Flint and Cherry Streets in downtown Asheville. For June and July session dates and to register, call 225-7184.
Summer Tennis Program
Asheville Tennis Association and Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will present the Summer Tennis Program at various county-wide locations this summer. Eight-week sessions held for youth, beginners and intermediates. Weekly practices scheduled in early evening and last one and a half hours. Cost: $20 for summer session. Registration ongoing. For more information on summer tennis program, call 251-4074 or email lloftis@ashevillenc.gov.
SWIMMING POOLS
Recreation Park - (828) 298-0880
Mon., May 28—Memorial Day Pool-A-Palooza 12-6 pm
June 2-3 Saturday & Sunday 12-6 pm
June 9-Aug. 12 Sat. 11-6, Sun. 1-6, Mon-Fri, 12:00-6:00 pm
Aug. 18-Sept. 2 Saturdays & Sundays only 12-6 pm
Sept. 3-Labor Day 12-6 pm
Malvern Hills - (828) 253-1164
Sat., June 11—Sun., August 12
Mon.-Fri., 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
Sat., 11:00 am-6:00 pm; Sun., 1:00-6:00 pm
Walton Street - (828) 253-1143
Sat., June 11—Sun., August 12
Mon.-Fri., 12:00-5:00 pm
Sat., 11:00 am-6:00 pm; Sun., 1:00-6:00 pm
FREE Saturdays: June 30, July 14, Aug. 4-**First 100
Swim Lessons
Each pool offers Learn-to-Swim lessons through the American Red Cross
1st Session : Registration Monday June 11, Class Dates: June 18-June 28 Mon-Thurs.
2nd Session: Registration Monday July 9, Class Dates: July 16-July 26 Mon-Thurs.
Registration begins at 11:00 am, at pool of choice
Lesson Times:
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Recreation Park Pool-10:00-10:45 am, 11:00-11:45 am
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Malvern Hills Pool-9:00-9:45 am, 10:00-10:45 am, 11:00-11:45 am
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Walton Street Pool-5:30-6:15 pm
All lessons are provided free of charge
Guard Start Program
Guard Start program is for youth ages 11-14 years old. The program prepares participants to gain leadership, & guarding, along with learning Adult CPR.
Program site, & dates TBA, Mon-Fri., 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Cost: $40 class/$10 text book
Pool Fees
General Admission: $3
15 visit pass: $40
Individual Season Pass: $100
Family Season Pass: $150 (4 persons)
For More Information
Prior to Season Opening: Candy Hensley Shaw, 259-5800, or 552-1889
After Pools Open: Contact the pool of choice for more information.