The City of Asheville is proud to announce that D. Tyrell McGirt, Director of Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), is a recipient of the prestigious 2026 John Lewis Award by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County.
The John Lewis Award is presented annually to Black men in the community who exemplify the legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights icon. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, working toward a more just society for disadvantaged communities, and inspiring direct action in the cause of social justice.
“We are incredibly proud to see D. Tyrell recognized with such a significant honor,” said Asheville City Manager DK Wesley. “This award is a testament to his dedication to making our city a better place through the power of parks and programs that are accessible for every resident. His leadership reflects the very values of service, justice, and transparency that Congressman John Lewis championed throughout his life.”
Dedication to Public Service
Since joining the City of Asheville in 2022, Director McGirt has focused on community-centered growth and challenged his team to streamline offerings through collaborative innovation. Under his leadership, APR has prioritized strategic growth guided by the Recreate Asheville 10-year plan. As the staff lead to the Helene Infrastructure Recovery Board, he helps lead the community’s goal to build a more resilient and accessible riverfront parks and greenways system following the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
The MLK Association recognized McGirt during a ceremony held on March 19 at Stephens-Lee Community Center, a fitting venue given the center’s deep roots in Asheville’s history. McGirt was honored alongside fellow 2026 John Lewis Award recipient Mychal Bacoate, as well as Rosa Parks Award recipients Nicole Cush and Priscilla Robinson.
“To be mentioned in the same breath as John Lewis is both humbling and a call to continue the important work City staff do every day,” said McGirt. “The City of Asheville doesn’t view parks and recreation as just playgrounds and open fields; it’s about creating high-quality public spaces and recreation programs where everyone feels they belong. This award belongs to our entire team and the community members who partner with us every day to build a better Asheville through the unparalleled power of parks and recreation.”
The City of Asheville invites the public to join in congratulating Director McGirt on this well-deserved achievement and to celebrate his ongoing contributions to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful.
Meet with Director McGirt
A cornerstone of McGirt’s approach to making Asheville the center for parks and recreation innovation in North Carolina is a collaborative approach that moves beyond periodic town halls and surveys and into a barrier-free culture where everyone feels comfortable filling the funnel of ideas that help keep the city happy, safe, and thriving. That philosophy led to the creation of the Park Bench Chats series, offering one-on-one or small group conversations with the department director throughout the year.
Photos courtesy of Phil King
Explore More with Asheville Parks & Recreation
There are hundreds of programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers every month! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Pick up a copy of APR’s free program guide at community center locations
- Search programs online, available in multiple languages via Google Translate’s Website Translator
- Sign up for APR’s newsletters including special editions for families, older adults, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Follow APR on Facebook and Instagram
- Discover parks, greenways, playgrounds, and recreation locations throughout Asheville