Fitting as April is National Pickleball Month, the City of Asheville today announced opportunities for community members to provide feedback on the city’s first public complex with dedicated pickleball courts, a highly-requested and much-needed community investment. Funded by the 2024 general obligation (GO) bonds overwhelmingly approved by voters, the project aims to promote healthy lifestyles and social connections while supporting the popular sport played by many in the area.
High Demand for Pickleball in Asheville
Following professional site analyses by Surface 678 landscape architects, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) identified Aston Park and Roger Farmer Park as the potential locations for the 8- to 10-court complex, a need identified in the Recreate Asheville 10-year parks and recreation plan. By utilizing existing park land, the City can maximize the bond investment without the expense of new land acquisition.
While each park offers unique advantages and challenges, both sites are easily accessible and have underutilized areas with enough space to accommodate courts and support features such as parking and restrooms. Additionally, both parks are located in high investment zones recognized in the Recreate Asheville plan. The final site will be selected by the end of summer.
Community Feedback Opportunities
Visit the Asheville Pickleball Complex project page for more info and sign up to receive updates emailed directly to your inbox.
While the City of Asheville has heard from many community members and advocates over the years, the project team seeks feedback from picklers, neighbors, and other park users to ensure the final site selected for this community investment minimizes impacts and amplifies benefits of all residents.
City staff are prioritizing early engagement with both picklers and non-picklers to guarantee the final design addresses potential concerns while maximizing park enhancements. Drop-in sessions and a survey allow community members to share priorities and concerns about both sites, as well as speak with designers and project team members.
Complimentary transit vouchers are available to attend sessions via ART buses. Please contact parks@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5800 to request one.
Drop-in Sessions
- Monday, April 27: Roger Farmer Park on 71 Deaverview Road from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 28: Aston Park on 300 Hilliard Avenue from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 28: Asheville Sports Club on 137 Coxe Avenue from 4:30-7 p.m. featuring free open play pickleball
Survey
Community members are encouraged to participate via a short survey available on the project page from April 27 through May 11. The survey seeks input on site preferences, travel habits, and amenities such as lighting, shade, and landscaping.
Take the survey and learn more about the sites at publicinput.com/avlpickleplex.
About the Sites
APR and Surface 678 evaluated multiple sites, narrowing the selection to Aston Park and Roger Farmer Park.
Aston Park
One of Asheville’s oldest parks, Aston Park’s central urban proximity makes it easily accessible. While its historic role as a tennis hub keeps the west side of the park very active from April to October, the east side has been underutilized in recent years. It features a playground, paved walking paths, gazebo, disc golf course, pickleball court, and basketball goals.
For more on the history of Aston Park, visit its location page.
Roger Farmer Park
Roger Farmer Park is just off the Patton Avenue corridor and is known for its neighborhood-centric feel. It features two diamond ballfields, multi-use grass field, picnic shelter with restrooms, and a multi-use court for basketball, futsal, and skating.
The City of Asheville currently is installing a sidewalk from Patton Avenue to Johnston Elementary School on Johnston Boulevard through the east side of the park and the North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to add a multiuse path along Deaverview Road from Patton Avenue to Pisgah View Road on the west side of the park. Other nearby planned projects include Buncombe County’s future public park at Deaverview Mountain, as well as expansion of affordable housing and redevelopment at Deaverview Apartments.
For more on the history of Roger Farmer Park, visit its location page.