All aboard for fun: Carrier Park’s new playground coming soon

Posted on by Christy Edwards
current carrier park playground

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) play experts are excited to announce a major transformation coming to Carrier Park in West Asheville. The current wooden playground is often cited as one of the best in town, but its age requires frequent repairs to maintain safety. 

Say Goodbye (for Now)

Kids and families are invited to play on the current well-loved playground, built in 2001 and original to the park, through mid-June. At that time, crews plan to remove the playground, fence off the area, and install a safer, modernized, and fun playground for little adventurers. Construction will continue throughout the summer.

The new playground’s design pays tribute to the current playground through durable, environmentally-friendly recycled plastic lumber that mimics the look of actual wood. Unlike real wood, the long-lasting material removes the threat of splinters and nasty cuts or bruises from blunt lumber. It’s also highly-resistant to water, pests, and rotting.

Time to Make Memories

“Carrier Park sees more park users each year than any other park in the APR system,” says D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “Easily accessible from West Asheville neighborhoods, French Broad River Greenway, the River Arts District, and the interstate, Asheville families have made many cherished memories on the playground over the years. This important investment ensures a new era of fun with safer materials, a similar look, and design that meets the community’s needs for years to come.”

Manufactured and installed by Play By Design, Carrier Park’s new playground includes a variety of slides, spring riders, climbers, swings, and play areas designed to spark imagination and encourage healthy fun and development for all children. A true intergenerational space with plenty for parents and grandparents to enjoy, features such as the Konnection® Swing allow younger children to directly engage with older family members and friends while advancing skills such as cooperation and teamwork, and develop their motor skills while building strong muscles and bones systems.

While the playground is under construction, families may explore nearby APR playgrounds: 

Community Effort, Lasting Legacy

Carrier Park’s playground is APR’s eighth complete playground replacement project since 2019. Following Murphy-Oakley Community Center’s new playground opening in June and investments in Burton Street Community Center’s outdoor space planned for next year, nine of APR’s 19 playgrounds will be brand new and modernized. Many other playgrounds have also received new equipment, enhanced safety features, and accessibility upgrades.

Sweat equity from volunteers during a community playground build in 2001 provided momentum to complete the first phase of Carrier Park, dedicated in 2003 and including the playground, volleyball courts, roller hockey rink, basketball court, lawn bowling, and trails. An asphalt track previously used as a motor speedway was incorporated as a velodrome for biking and skating. The second phase of the park was dedicated in 2006 with a large picnic shelter, river overlook, wetland interpretive area, and more trails. For more on its unique history, check out Park Views: Carrier Park.

Carrier Park connects to French Broad River Park, Amboy Riverfront Park, and Wilma Dykeman Greenway via French Broad River Greenway, as well as Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s Hominy Creek River Park.

Explore More with APR Programs and Events

APR team members offer more than 100 opportunities for community members of all ages to explore, connect, discover each week – including many designed specifically for little ones. Use these resources to find opportunities: