Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Program Mission
To promote the quality of life of individuals with disabilities within the community by providing a variety of specialized recreational services.

Social Recreation Programs

Therapeutic Recreation Social Dances
For teens (13 and older) and adults.  Join us to dance the night away with both new and old friends. Scheduled for: Valentines, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, and a Holiday Ball

Traveling Stars
The Traveling Stars program is for adults 18 and older with a variety of disabilities who meets eligibility requirements.  Wewill be experiencing the sights and sounds of the greater Asheville/Buncombe County community and the surroundingareas. Call Therapeutic Recreation Program staff for a complete traveling schedule.

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Special Events

Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is a day of recreation, fun and celebration, provided free for families of children and adults with disabilities.  For many families, this is a day for everyone to gather, play together, make new friends, and feel included.  Activities include entertainment, family activities, music, crafts, games, information booths, food, and demos.  Offered on one Saturday annually.  Presented by: Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department, Family Support Network of WNC, Western Alliance Center For Independent Living, ARC of Buncombe County, Western Highlands Network and Universal.

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Sports Programs

Adult Bowling Program
A 5-week bowling program designed for teens and adults (18 and older) with disabilities.
Fee:$70 Asheville city residents; $75 non-city residents
Winter and spring sessions offered on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Youth/Teen Bowling Program
A 5-week bowling program designed for youth (ages 6-18) with disabilities.
Summer and fall sessions offered on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee:$70 Asheville city residents; $75 non-city residents

Basketball
A basketball program designed for boys and girls, ages 6-18, with or without disabilities. This is a non-competitive basketball program for participants to learn the basic skills of the game of basketball. Fee: $20 Asheville resident; $25 non-city resident. Registration will start in the fall and the season runs in the winter session.

Ted E. Tourist
Adapted Baseball League
A baseball program designed for boys and girls, ages 6-18, with or without disabilities. This is a non-competitive baseball program with modified rules to make the game of baseball accessible for all players.  Fee: $25 Asheville resident; $30 non-city resident; Sessions offered on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 noon at community ball fields.

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Summer Enrichment Camp
Summer Enrichment Camp is designed for youth ages 6-14, with or without disabilities, who meet eligibility requirements. Daily activities include group games, arts & crafts, nature exploration, special events, and field trips.  Offered June –August, M-F, from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.  Call for fee information.

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Financial Scholarships
Asheville Parks and Recreation Department offers financial assistance to qualified youth and adults with disabilities who are participating in any of the Therapeutic Recreation program activities.  To find out if you qualify for a scholarship, apply in advance at West Asheville Recreation Center.  Applications may take up to two weeks to process.

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