Just like Asheville’s strong neighborhoods, a great parks and recreation system constantly evolves, adapts to changing community needs, and thrives on constructive feedback. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) takes this approach to provide the high-quality recreation experiences and welcoming parks community members expect.
One way APR ensures the city’s shared public spaces reflect the community’s vision is through Park Bench Chats sessions. Anybody can sign up for a 20-minute slot to share thoughts, ask questions, and brainstorm ideas regarding Asheville’s parks, community centers, and recreation opportunities in casual one-on-one or small group conversations with APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt.
Growing Together
“APR is fortunate to have many team members certified in their fields of professional expertise, but we know the collective personality or our city shines through when we engage in thoughtful, constructive collaboration with residents,” according to D. Tyrell. “I’ve met wonderful people and learned so much about how people use our shared spaces, how much these spaces mean to them, and how we can work together to make sure they are welcoming to everyone who calls our great city their home”
D. Tyrell’s belief that APR thrives when it truly reflects the voices of the community led him to create Park Bench Chats for people to connect with the department outside of project surveys and formal community meetings. He also points out community feedback has shaped and improved a number of projects over the past few years.
“Together, we adopted the 10-year Recreate Asheville vision, expanded Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, and greatly enhanced Memorial Stadium, among several other community investments,” he says. “We are at varying stages on other exciting projects including reimaging and rebuilding parks on the French Broad and Swannanoa riverfronts, constructing a new pool in West Asheville, adapting the historic Walton Street Park poolhouse area, and bringing the city’s first public pickleball complex to Roger Farmer Park. And that’s by no means an exhaustive list.”
Upcoming Dates & How to Connect
Secure your 20-minute slot up to 45 days before each event via this link: https://calendar.app.google/oWihJ7fDQsbJ6wai6. Walk-ins may be accommodated if time permits. Spanish translation or ASL interpreters available upon advance notice.
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (3-6pm) at West Asheville Park on 198 Vermont Ave.
- Thursday, November 5, 2026 (11am-2pm) at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
- Tuesday, February 9, 2027 (3-6pm) at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center and Park on 121 Shiloh Rd.
- Wednesday, May 19, 2027 (11am-2pm) at Murphy-Oakley Community Center and Park on 749 Fairview Rd.
Unable to Attend in Person?
No problem! Community members are welcome to submit their ideas and feedback directly to dtmcgirt@ashevillenc.gov.