Masters Park is a nine-acre natural area with more than 200 species of flora and fauna with an unpaved hiking trail connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Features
- Natural trails
- Off-street parking lot
Parties and Rentals
History
Harnessing the same valley spirit that made Haw Creek Park possible, neighbors rallied to purchase nine wooded acres between Maple Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway National Park to develop a natural botanical area in 2009. City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Haw Creek Community Association equally split the $720,000 cost to acquire land that became Masters Park. A trail through the park connects to the parkway and Mountains-to-Sea Trail while exposing hikers to more than 200 species of flora and fauna.
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s construction holds an important place in Haw Creek’s history of recreation spaces. In 1934, the people of North Carolina successfully lobbied to bring the proposed scenic highway through their state rather than Tennessee. Land acquisition difficulties delayed construction of the portion around Haw Creek until after World War II and that section opened to visitors on July 5, 1952. From Haw Creek Valley Overlook at Milepost 380, visitors can view the valley floor.
Masters Park is named in honor of Rory and Hazel Masters who once owned the park site and much of the surrounding property. Like future Haw Creek residents, their civic pride is represented through lasting contributions including Haw Creek’s fire department. The Masters donated land for the station, paid legal expenses to establish the department, and spearheaded community fundraising for the building and equipment. Rory served as the fire chief and Hazel headed the women’s auxiliary.
For many years, parking was only available on the shoulder of Maple Drive. In 2021, Haw Creek Community Association raised $50,000 to add an off-road parking lot. Community volunteers helped remove underbrush while a professional engineer built the parking area. APR accepted the donated parking area and has added its operations to annual maintenance of the park.
Do you have photos or stories to share about Masters Park? 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
- With a site plan by APR landscape architect Al Kpof, Masters Park features a trail that snakes through a tree canopy to connect with Blue Ridge Parkway National Park and Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
- The unpaved hiking trail is clearly marked.