Seven Springs, Meadow, and Forest parks feature a steep inclined trail that crosses a free flowing creek embraced by enormous hardwoods and long field space.
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History
Seven Springs, Meadow, and Forest parks are known as the Kenilworth Trio.
When Kenilworth was established as an independent town in 1914, developers envisioned multiple parks for the community’s enjoyment. Kenilworth Development Company donated a trio of properties off Caledonia Road to the town in 1923.
When Kenilworth was annexed to the City of Asheville in 1929, they became part of the municipal parks system and can be enjoyed today.
The largest, Seven Springs Park (called Spring Park on the deed) features a steep trail notched into the side of a hill that curves around Gibson Creek. Formerly a quarry, it originally featured a rock garden, stone staircase, and pond area. Though it contained a small playground at one point, it is primarily used today by those looking for a short wooded hike within city limits or as a pedestrian trail for joggers and walkers avoiding vehicular traffic.
Across from Seven Springs’ western trailhead, Meadow Park includes natural spaces to relax, read a book, or enjoy a picnic with friends. The original entrance to Kenilworth was Caledonia Road off of Biltmore Avenue and Meadow Park was one of the first landmarks passed as people arrived in the town. In 1928, it had four swings, four seesaws, horseshoe pits, and a sandbox.
Steps away from Seven Springs’ eastern end, Forest Park features a rolling lawn ideal for football, frisbee, and other games. Sometimes called Caledonia Bowl, it exemplifies the natural beauty common to parks of its era.
Do you have photos or stories to share about the Kenilworth Trio? Please send them to cbubenik@ashevillenc.gov so the City of Asheville can be inspired by the past as we plan our future.
Photo and Image Credits
- Postcard published around 1915 by S.H. Kress & Co. titled, “Swannanoa Entrance to Kenilworth Park, Asheville, N.C.” Kenilworth Park was the name of the residential development rather than today’s park with the same name. Courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina.
- Through the City of Asheville’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program, Kenilworth Residents’ Association are repairing the riparian buffer of Gibson Creek by planting native woody plants and restoring 200 ft of heavily eroded creek bank in Meadow Park in collaboration with RiverLink. Courtesy of Kenilworth Residents’ Association.
- Meadow Park features a mix of hardwood trees, shrubs, and native and non-native plants.
- Also known as Caledonia Bowl, Forest Park is designed for passive recreation and to reduce the impacts of flooding.