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charboss machine on site

Collaborative biochar pilot project completed in Asheville

During the month of May 2025, the City of Asheville conducted a successful biochar pilot project with the help of the US Forest Service (USFS) at the Southern Research Station. The USFS loaned the City a biochar-producing machine called a Charboss and trained City staff to use the equipment. The Charboss is a mobile unit [...]

Water Resources Director David Melton

Asheville Water Resources Director David Melton accepts new position in Rock Hill, SC

Asheville Water Resources Director David Melton has accepted a position as Water and Wastewater Director of the Water Service Department in Rock Hill, S.C. and will leave the City of Asheville August 1. During his tenure with the City of Asheville, David has been instrumental in managing several projects that will have long lasting impacts on [...]

Help Prevent Puppy ‘Poo-llution’ in Parks

Asheville’s parks and trails are perfect for exploring with canine companions (with owner on leash, of course). But a growing problem is turning our beautiful green spaces into minefields: unscooped dog poop. Let’s talk about why this pointless “poo-llution” is more than just a nuisance. Thanks to a partnership with HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health, a temporary [...]

Rebecca Familette wearing St. Patricks headband and green mustache

APR Innovators: Becca Familette

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone. When did [...]

mid year momentum

Mid-year momentum: 2025 infrastructure progress + future outlook

Asheville City Council unanimously approved the $256.36 million budget for the fiscal year 2026 at their regular meeting on June 10. The spending plan includes a robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that focuses on storm recovery, parks, transportation, public safety and community infrastructure over the next five years. Projects are selected for funding in [...]

asheville transit bus

ART bus routes to resume normal service July 1

More Helene recovery: All transit routes will be active again starting July 1. Some schedule changes may be necessary due to staffing, so pease make use of iRide emails notifications to get updates.

collage of different parks and recreation images including woodoworking, dancing seniors, football, greenway walking, playground and ground breaking

‘Build Together, Play Together’ with Asheville Parks & Recreation

The City of Asheville officially kicked off its annual celebration of Park and Recreation Month, as Council member Bo Hess, on behalf of Mayor Esther Manheimer, proclaimed July 2025 as Asheville Parks & Recreation Month in the city. The proclamation underscores the vital role of parks and recreation in fostering community health and unity, [...]