A project to repair the Asheville City Hall belfry roof begins this week. Workers will restore the original 1927 terracotta roof tiles and masonry. The belfry is the very top of the building – think pink tiles and chimes. Deliveries of scaffolding and fencing materials began Nov. 9. Fencing was installed around the perimeter of the building to [...]
Contributed image Work began about two weeks ago at John B. Lewis Soccer Complex to repair damages caused by multiple flooding events in 2018. And a resolution adopted by Asheville City Council during its March 26 meeting puts in place an agreement for shared financial responsibility for future maintenance at the facility. The City’s new lease agreement [...]
Beneath the bright and festive décor of the Aloft Hotel, which marked its grand opening Thursday, lies the City of Asheville’s most recent addition to its parking facilities. The 404-space parking garage is the fourth downtown deck operated by the City of Asheville and was built at considerable savings to the city thanks to a [...]
Top priority is to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while conducting City business On April 14, Asheville City Council will hold a 3 p.m. budget work session and its regular 5 p.m. meeting. The agenda is posted at this link April 10. As the City of Asheville continues to work through the COVID-19 public [...]
Asheville City government offices and facilities will open on a delayed schedule, at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, due to the potential for black ice on our roads. ART bus service will resume at 8 a.m. Friday. Asheville Parks & Recreation Fun Day Out programs will open at 10 a.m. Friday at Stephens Lee, Vance and Montford [...]
UPDATE: Due to continued snowy road conditions, ART bus service has been delayed until noon. Once it begins routes may be detoured, depending on road conditions. Due to inclement weather and snowy road conditions, particularly on secondary roads, Asheville Sanitation (trash, recycling, brush, and bulky collection) are cancelled for today. Sanitation will operate on its “closure schedule,” [...]
UPDATE 3:00PM Route S4 is now up and running. We will update as road conditions improve. UPDATE 9:10AM Some ART routes are back in service. We will update you as City crews continue working on the roads. The following routes/locations will not be able to be accessed until conditions improve: 170 – No Haw Creek S5 – No River Ridge S4 not [...]
Here at the City of Asheville, we get a lot of questions from the community. My theory is, if one person has asked the question – more than one person is probably interested in the answer. So in the spirit of information sharing, here’s the answer to one of the community questions that has recently come [...]
The City of Asheville has several parking options and price points for workers searching for parking options in downtown Asheville.
With warm weather and summer’s official end not until September 21, some community members are wondering why local public pools transition to a weekends-only schedule in early August. While Asheville Parks & Recreation was able to extend Malvern Hills Pool’s 2022 swim season by a couple of weeks, a [...]
On August 23, 2022, the Asheville City council voted unanimously to approve Commonwealth Golf Partners II – Asheville LLC (CGP) as the new operator of Asheville’s historic 1927 Donald Ross designed Municipal Golf Course. CGP will assume operations of the course beginning October 1, 2022 replacing the current operator, Pope Golf LLC, whose contract expires [...]
City Council, during their July 26 meeting, unanimously approved $659,654.00 plus a 15% contingency of $98,948.10 ($758,602.10 total) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 22 in funds for the Asphalt Preservation Contract. Funding for this contract has already been budgeted in the General Capital Projects Fund as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This is [...]
On May 9, 2023, Asheville City Council approved a contract for the engineering services of Hazen and Sawyer for improvements to the South Buncombe Pump Station and Concord Water Service Area. This water infrastructure improvement project serves portions of Biltmore Village, Shiloh, Sweeten Creek, Royal Pines, Mills Gap and Concord water service areas. This project [...]
Please note: Due to weather, Parks & Recreation has changed some of it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day programming, as listed below. Asheville City government offices will be closed Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here is a look at City services affected by this holiday. Trash and recycling Though [...]
Asheville City government offices will be closed Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here is a look at City services affected and a special event downtown that day. Trash and recycling Though City offices will be closed, Sanitation Services will run on schedule. Residential trash and recycling will be collected as [...]
The City of Asheville is in the process of replacing one of our public safety communications towers on Beaucatcher Ridge at the former White Fawn Reservoir site. This site has been an excellent resource in support of radio communications for police, fire departments, and state highway patrol agencies in our region for more than 25 [...]
The Asheville Fire Department hosted a Hose Uncoupling Ceremony (ribbon cutting) at Fire Sation #4 on May 18 to celebrate the renovations and opening of the station. Previously, the Asheville Fire Department’s Fire Station #4 shared operational facilities with Skyland Fire & Rescue. Due to the need for both departments to expand, AFD initiated a renovation [...]
Adult soccer teams from throughout the Southeast will converge on Asheville Sept. 2-3 for the Beer City Cup at Memorial Stadium. Here are some events happening in Asheville this Labor Day weekend. These events are permitted by the City of Asheville: Ooh La La Curiosity Market, 10 a.m. to [...]
In concert with Buncombe County, on March 12, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. As part of the City’s State of Emergency, organized gatherings of 250 or more persons were prohibited on City-owned property. Shortly after the City’s State [...]
As Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) update’s the city’s comprehensive plan for public leisure spaces and recreation programs, that’s the question its team is asking at public input events around the city and through a community survey that can be taken from the comfort of home.
Some Asheville Parks & Recreation community centers plan to close or operate on abbreviated schedules the week of June 5, 2023. These planned changes allow for the training of team members supervising sold-out summer camps. Closed June 5-9 Burton Street Community Center Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. [...]
Southside residents and regular Walton Street Park visitors are invited to a free pancake breakfast to share thoughts on design preferences for the park’s facelift. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team members will be on hand with surveys and information during Flapjacks & Feedback on Saturday, November 12, from 10:30 a.m. until [...]
“Like many of you, I look back fondly on fun memories made over the summers of my life meeting new friends at summer day camps, discovering new interests by exploring the green space and waterway at my local neighborhood park, and gaining professional experience working at my community center pool.” So begins the welcome letter [...]
UPDATE as of May 26, 2023 Malvern Hills Park’s pool will open on Saturday, May 27, as previously announced. During initial inspections, Buncombe County Environmental Health discovered potential safety issues at Recreation Park pool and requested additional actions before it will open for the season. Asheville Parks & Recreation crews immediately started working with [...]
As Asheville Parks & Recreation continues to enhance and improve facilities throughout the city, some construction projects are expected to temporarily impact nearby areas. The City of Asheville is dedicated to as little disruption to surrounding properties as possible.
As the magic of the holidays comes to the mountains, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has plenty of fun, festive celebrations to make the season merry and bright for the young and young-at-heart during Holly Jolly Holidays from December 2-16. Space is limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended even if an event [...]
Note: Originally published April 16, when the Asheville Municipal Golf Course was closed, this post has since been updated to reflect that the course has been reopened. Being outside is good for everyone’s physical and emotional well-being, especially during these stressful times, but what is happening now in our public spaces is simply not safe. In compliance [...]
At their June 11 meeting, City Council passed a resolution to name Asheville Police Headquarters in memory of former APD Lt. Walter Robertson. During his 28-year tenure at the Asheville Police Department, “Walt” Robertson became the first African American to reach the rank of Lieutenant. An Asheville native, he graduated from Lee Edwards High School and [...]
In an effort to ensure the highest safety for our police officers and Asheville Police Department (APD) personnel, as well as decrease the chances for the spread of COVID-19 within our community, all APD buildings, including the Municipal Building and all district resource centers, will close to the public effective immediately. This action is aligned with [...]
The City of Asheville continues to monitor the most up-to-date information available from public health officials at the local, state and federal levels regarding COVID-19. Based on the information provided to us, the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department has decided that it is in the best interest of our community for City of [...]
While predicted snow moved in overnight, so far Asheville has only received a dusting and roads remain clear, with the exception of a few icy spots. City of Asheville facilities will open on the schedule we have been following under guidelines for the COVID pandemic. City Streets crews were out monitoring and treating streets as needed [...]
City of Asheville government will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day. City facilities remain closed to the public at this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though some parks have reopened. During this public health emergency, City employees have continued their work, some in the field, such as in sanitation, water, transit, fire and police, [...]
Following two years of discussions and planning, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) is investing $200,000 in major repairs and renovations to Asheville Skatepark. Beginning with replacement of stairs and sections of damaged fencing along Cherry Street last year, new enhancements and additions to the upper plaza and skate bowls [...]
A 5 million-gallon tank serves as a final stop before City of Asheville water is distributed through our pipes to homes, industry and businesses. It’s called a clearwell and, like other aspects of Asheville Water Resources facilities, it requires maintenance from time to time. That maintenance will begin June 15 at the North Fork Water Production [...]
Asheville’s two public swimming pools will operate on Saturday and Sunday only after the first weekend in August Beginning August 6, regular operating hours for both pools are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3 per person.
A fixture on the Asheville tennis scene and former City employee will be recognized for his dedication to both. At their Sept. 10 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to name Court 1 at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., in memory of the late Lewis Isaac. Isaac was a longtime City of Asheville employee. Following his [...]
Update: The temporary closure of Biltmore Avenue Garage has been changed to April 11, 2023, through April 25, 2023. The Biltmore Avenue Garage will remain open to monthly parking permit holders and hourly parkers until April 11, 2023. The dates were changed due to a shortage in critical materials needed by the contractor to proceed [...]
There will be lots of happy children and ball players in Asheville in the coming months. The renovation of playgrounds and sport courts were part of the $17 million Parks general obligation bond referendum that was approved by our community in 2016. Starting now, you will see work in progress in Malvern Hills Park, Murphy-Oakley [...]
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton Street) is becoming known for fun events that explore Hispanic and Latino heritage. From the quirky Cinco de Star War to monthly Latin cuisine classes with Chef Martina Valdez, the center has successfully struck a balance between creating authentic, welcoming spaces for Hispanic and Latino families that are [...]
The summer months will see the WNC Nature Center hosting more than 20 species of butterflies and moths for the center’s highly-anticipated Beauty of the Butterfly exhibit. The exhibit opens on Saturday, June 26 as part of the center’s Nectar Collector Day and will run through August 24. The popular exhibit allows WNC Nature Center visitors [...]
After years of neighborhood input, planning, and construction, Asheville’s Southside neighborhood has a brand new gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, more community rooms for meetings and classes, outdoor basketball court, and spacious open areas to study and socialize at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, located on 285 Livingston Street. Southside families and community members [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 55 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer programs related to wellness, education, and culture for Ashevillians [...]
Asheville City Council has named February as Black Legacy Month to celebrate the significant contributions of Black and African American people in relation to the city’s past, present, and future. Last week, Asheville Parks & Recreation highlighted community centers named in honor of prominent Black community [...]
Women’s History Month traces its beginnings to the first International Women’s Day in 1911. In 1978, schools in Sonoma, California celebrated Women’s History Week with events designed around March 8 (International Women’s Day). Following a conference about women’s history in 1979, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as [...]
In honor of Women’s History Month, Asheville Parks & Recreation is highlighting parks, greenways, community centers, and other public spaces named for women throughout March.
While Community Centers and Admin offices are closed one day - July 15 -- All parks and pools are open regular hours.
Asheville City Council at the October 25, 2022 meeting, adopted the Close the GAP Plans. There are 3 plans, done at the same time in order to strengthen the pedestrian network. The plans are the City of Asheville’s existing Greenway (G), ADA Transition (A), and Pedestrian (P) plans. The planning process began [...]
The Asheville Police Department (APD) will relocate its south resource center, under a lease agreement approved by City Council. At their Jan. 14, meeting Council approved a lease for the move of the Resource Center from the Skyland Fire and Rescue Building to a facility with more space for officers to do their job. The new [...]
The recently completed replacement and retrofitting of nearly 1,000 lights and fixtures in Asheville City Hall will mean an annual savings to the city of $15,000, says Linda Fowler, Project Manager for the Office of Sustainability. The $125,000 installation, completed in mid-December, was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and was identified [...]
On Oct. 1, the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on the photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at the recently renovated ART Transit Station on Coxe Avenue. This is the first City facility to include renewable energy production in a renovation or new construction project. The City is under contract or is in [...]
Thank you to those you attended the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony.
The next regular meeting of the Community Reparations Commission is scheduled for November 7, 2022. Please note that this is a change from the third Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The meeting will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall at 87 Haywood Street at 6:00 p.m. The Commission meeting agenda is posted [...]
The next meeting of the Asheville City Council will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022. The meeting will be held in City Hall, 70 Court Plaza on the second floor. The Council meeting agenda is posted at this link. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.10 this will be an in-person meeting [...]
The City of Asheville’s Capital Projects department is seeking public feedback on the Downtown Public Restroom project. The primary goal for the restroom facility is to provide a public restroom that is safe and accessible 24/7. This project is being funded with American Rescue Plan Act Funds. City Council voted at their May [...]
ART bus service suspended on Dec. 25, to operate on new holiday schedule Jan. 1 Asheville City government offices will be closed Dec. 22, 25 and 26 and Jan. 1 in observance of the winter holiday break and New Year’s Day. The following is a roundup of services affected by holiday closures. ART bus service City bus service will be suspended starting [...]
The summer fun is about to begin! To ensure the best program experience and safety is afforded to all community members, some of the City of Asheville Community Centers will experience a slight schedule change the week of June 6, 2022 to allow for staff training. This is a planned training session for staff working our sold [...]
The next meeting of the Asheville City Council, scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, will mark the return to Council Chamber for the governing body. The meeting will be held in City Hall, 70 Court Plaza on the second floor. The meetings were moved in 2020 to facilitate sessions under new COVID-19 protocols. City Council continued to meet, [...]
ART bus suspended on Dec. 25 Asheville City government offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26 and Jan. 1 in observance of the winter holiday break and New Year’s Day. The following is a roundup of services affected by holiday closures. ART bus service City bus service will be suspended starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24 [...]
ART bus suspended on Dec. 25, runs on holiday schedule New Year’s Day Asheville City government offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26 and Jan. 1 in observance of the winter holiday break and New Year’s Day. The following is a roundup of services affected by holiday closures. ART bus service City bus service will be suspended starting [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed Dec. 23, 26 and 27 in observance of the winter holiday break. City offices will also be closed Jan. 2. The following City services will be affected by the holiday closures. ART bus service Asheville Rides Transit (ART) holiday schedule will be as follows: Service will be closed after 6:30 p.m. December [...]
Recently the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on a photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center on Shiloh Road. This is the fifth City facility to include onsite renewable energy production. This completes the City’s portion of projects included in the joint initiative to install solar panels on City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools and AB-Tech facilities.
Carrier Park got a new coat of paint on Thursday, Sept. 2, as City of Asheville employees joined other organizations in the United Way Day of Caring. The event, coordinated by the United Way’s volunteer arm Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, encourages and highlights volunteerism in the community. Throughout the community on Thursday, groups and individuals participated in [...]
The NC Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced today that the Asheville Fire Department improved its fire rating from Class 2 to Class 1. This improved fire suppression rating means not only is AFD better equipped to respond to emergencies, the new top rating should continue to significantly reduce insurance rates in [...]
The City of Asheville is fortunate to have an entire staff of dedicated, experienced team members, working hard each day to bring its best to the community and keep day to day operations of the city moving. We know we have amazing individuals working for our community, but it’s nice when those efforts are recognized outside [...]
How might you like our new fire station to look? The City of Asheville has launched a visual preference survey on a planned Fire Station 13. In this survey on Open City Hall Asheville, participants will be asked to select up to three images that illustrate their preferred design styles. The City of [...]
The City of Asheville offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, May 30, a federally designated holiday that honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Here is a roundup of other City services affected by this holiday, as well as [...]
ART bus service suspended on Thanksgiving Day as well Asheville City government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a roundup of City service holiday schedules. ART bus service ART bus service will be suspended Nov. 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving is [...]
Asheville City government offices will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a roundup of City service holiday schedules. ART bus service ART bus service will be suspended November 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving is one of two holidays during which the City [...]
The City of Asheville offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, May 29, a federally designated holiday that honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the Veterans Council will host a Memorial [...]
Asheville City government offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Though City offices will be closed, Sanitation Services will run on schedule. Trash and recycling will be collected as normal on Sept. 4. ART bus service The City of Asheville ART service routes and facilities will operate on a reduced holiday [...]
In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, City of Asheville offices will be closed September 5, 2022. Here is a look at how City services will be affected. ART bus services The City of Asheville ART service routes and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule Monday, Sept. 5, which is the same as the Sunday bus [...]
In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, Asheville City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2023. Below is a list of City services available and/or impacted. ART bus services The City of Asheville ART service routes and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule Monday, Sept. 5, which is the same as the Sunday bus schedule (see [...]
In observance of Veterans Day, the City of Asheville offices will be closed Friday, November 11, 2022. The City of Asheville and partner agencies will honor our local Veterans during a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. The in-person ceremony will take place Friday, November 11, 2022, 11 a.m. at Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville.
Asheville City government offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. All City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department recreation centers will be closed. The following specialized recreation facilities will be open: City parks, the Asheville Golf Course, Food Lion Skate Park, Aston Park Tennis Center, Recreation Park Pool, Malvern [...]
Asheville City government offices will be closed April 2 for spring break. Here is a look at City services affected by this holiday. ART bus service The City of Asheville ART service routes and facilities will operate on a reduced holiday schedule, which is the same as the Sunday schedule. For more route information or service alerts, [...]
On June 20, 2022 Asheville City offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Juneteenth, officially observed each year on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Congress [...]
Asheville city government offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. All City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department recreation centers will be closed. The following specialized recreation facilities will be open: city parks, the Riverside Cemetery, Asheville Golf Course, Food Lion Skate Park, Aston Park Tennis Center, Recreation Park [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed Nov. 25-26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The following City services will be affected as well. ART bus service ART service will not run on Thanksgiving Day. For more information, including routes and schedules, please visit the ART Transit station at 49 Coxe Ave., download the
City of Asheville government offices will be closed Friday, March 25, as part of spring break. City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department recreation centers will be closed except for the Montford Recreation Center, which will be open for Fun Day Out. The following recreation facilities will be open: City parks, the Riverside Cemetery, Asheville Golf [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed Monday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. Some City services will be impacted.
Please be advised that all city of Asheville offices will be closed on Monday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, June 20. See the City’s active services and schedules below. ART bus service Asheville Rides Transit (ART) holiday schedule will run on a Sunday schedule. If [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. Some City services will be impacted. Parks and Recreation Parks and greenways are open on a regular schedule, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Splasheville, the free splash fountain in Pack Square Park, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Asheville Parks and Rec's new winter-spring program guide is filled with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living offerings, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, special events, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.
Cold temperatures and possible snow are headed this way over the weekend. The US National Weather Service currently forecasts snow developing across the southern Appalachians late Saturday into Sunday. Significant snow accumulations are possible, especially across the northern mountains and higher elevations above 3500 feet. Uncertainty remains regarding exact snowfall totals. As the National Weather Service [...]
UPDATE (04/21/2023) Christmas 2022 Water Outage Incident After Action Report UPDATE (01/04 at 12 p.m.) Boil Water Advisory lifted for western Buncombe County water service areas – ending BWA for all City of Asheville water customers The City of Asheville is pleased to announce water has been restored in the western Buncombe County service area and [...]
On September 30, the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on the photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at Fire Station 10 on Old Haywood Road. This is the second City facility to include renewable energy production, the first being the Transit Station on Coxe Avenue. This is also part of [...]
On July 28th, the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on the photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at the Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center on Livingston Street. Sustainable Energy Goals: This is the sixth City facility to include renewable energy production, the first being the Transit Station on Coxe Avenue. Installation of the solar [...]
The City of Asheville will hold a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. This event is to pay solemn tribute to those who heroically sacrificed their own lives to save thousands of others, and to remember those who helped in the rescue-recovery efforts that followed [...]
A new fire station is planned for City-owned property on Broadway in the Five Points neighborhood. The City of Asheville will host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 11 at Greater Works Church, 25 Forsythe St. The community is invited to attend to learn more about the project and meet the architect as the project [...]
ASHEVILLE — The City of Asheville is seeking interested parties for licensing agreements for the naming rights of the Civic Center, with the current naming rights licensed to U.S. Cellular Inc. as the U.S. Cellular Center. Staff’s goal is “to contract a licensing agreement with a notable company or individual that is culturally and socially [...]
Representatives from the City of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation and Capital Projects departments will present updates on the Phase II improvements to Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park at upcoming community events. Community members can view project renderings and discuss planned improvements with staff members. As defined by City Council during its March [...]
On Friday, the City of Asheville announced that the conveyance of City-owned property at 3 Hunt Hill Place was complete. The new owner, KL Training Solutions, received the property for $1 after the City Council voted on April 25, 2023, in support of the transaction. According to the April staff report, KL Training [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. May 29, 2023 at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. The ceremony will feature a short reading by Jim Hernandez, USAF, Vietnam, Pilot. Lt. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin (Ret.), USMC, Secretary of the NC Department of Military and [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed Nov. 26-27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The following City services will be affected as well. ART bus service ART service will not run on Thanksgiving Day. For more information, including routes and schedules, please visit the ART Transit station at 49 Coxe Ave., download the
Asheville City government offices will be closed April 15 for spring break.
A local Senior Girl Scout is making the Carrier Park playground a more inclusive space for non-verbal and semi-verbal kids. Spade Cipriano designed and installed a communication board earlier this year. To use the board, kids point to pictures to express their thoughts and feelings.
The City of Asheville’s Haywood and Page Project team invites the community to participate in the next step of conceptual master planning for a pivotal City-owned site and it’s adjacent area in Downtown. A presentation and work session is planned for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St., downtown [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation invites community members to celebrate the expansion of Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr., Southside Community Center (285 Livingston Street) during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 28. Brief remarks from Mayor Esther Manheimer, Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt, and a student from the after school program begin promptly at [...]
Located in Asheville’s Southside neighborhood, Walton Street Park (570 Oakland Rd.) has served as the backdrop for many community events, birthday parties, and family celebrations since it opened in 1939. In 1948, Walton Street Pool opened in the southwest corner of the park. Since April, the City of Asheville and local nonprofit Southside [...]
In 2018, the City of Asheville began researching and documenting historic resources specifically related to African American heritage in Asheville. During the first phase of architectural survey (inventory), it was determined that Walton Street Park is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, since the determination of eligibility for listing in [...]
The City of Asheville is modifying its operations until further notice to protect our residents and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Asheville City Hall and other municipal buildings will be closed to the public, starting March 17. Some City employees will telecommute to minimize person-to-person contact. It is important to note that all essential [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) previously announced all outdoor hard surface public tennis courts maintained by the City of Asheville would become dual-lined, converting them to shared use courts to support local growth of pickleball and tennis. This decision followed months of meetings between local players of both sports. Court conversions have [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) today announced all outdoor hard surface public tennis courts maintained by the City of Asheville will become dual-lined, converting them to shared use courts to support local growth of pickleball and tennis. This plan preserves APR’s inventory of 11 public tennis courts and increases public pickleball courts [...]
When Clemson University researchers approached Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) to serve as a case study for park equity modeling, it was a no-brainer that the department would participate. “Alongside other factors, our agency considers accessible design, gender inclusion, and racial equity into account when forming policies and making [...]
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) approved nearly $23 million in multi-year funding for the City of Asheville’s McCormick Field Centennial Restoration & Capital Improvements Project this week. This investment marks the first debt service project and the largest Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) investment ever granted. TPDF is solely funded through a lodging [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s [...]
Out-of-towners like to speculate when fall foliage will peak in Asheville to plan a visit. For locals, the beauty of living in the Blue Ridge Mountains means the chance to enjoy a regional show of bright yellow, burnt orange, and vibrant purple hues that can last six to eight weeks. That span is shorter in [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) brings ghoulish greetings with its annual Festival of Frights starting on October 21. The series of events includes a toddler costume party, nighttime skating, creepy climbing, and trips through a haunted castle, a greenhouse of horror, and a trail of treats. While Ashevillians can stop in for a spell at [...]
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce that the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. The designation is the highest level of certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council in its recognition of building [...]
The word everyone was waiting for came out of the WNC Nature Center on Wednesday afternoon, as Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and Nibbles the Groundhog had a Groundhog’s Day conference to predict the coming of Spring. The media event fell on the same day as the nationally-followed prediction by Punxsutawney Phil, but as Education naturalist Eli [...]
In a coordinated effort, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Homeward Bound and numerous community partners organized a resource for individuals without homes at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. The coronavirus outbreak represents a significant health risk for people experiencing homelessness. People living unsheltered are also far more likely to have chronic health conditions, one of the [...]
Thanks to a new initiative by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), local high school students receive free annual fitness center memberships for no charge at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers with cardio equipment, exercise machines, and free weights.
Asheville Parks & Recreation has been the trusted steward of the city’s parks, community centers, playground, sports courts and fields, pools, and more for nearly 70 years. There’s no better way to celebrate Parks & Recreation Month than by highlighting the professionals who faithfully serve the community all year [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation has been the trusted steward of the city’s parks, community centers, playground, sports courts and fields, pools, and more for nearly 70 years. There’s no better way to celebrate Parks & Recreation Month than by highlighting the professionals who faithfully serve the community all year to build a [...]
Update, August 2 – The pool at Grant Southside Center opened August 2. The pool’s hours are 12-6 p.m. on Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. The pool will be open daily through August 6, then operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule through August 27. On August 4, it [...]
Following weeks of conversations, engineering consultations, and brainstorming, Asheville Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that Malvern Hills Pool will open on Saturday, July 2, at 11 a.m.
Following the news that Malvern Hills Pool will not open following safety concerns with its drainage and suction system, Asheville Parks & Recreation has planned a series of free water-based programming to take place throughout the summer titled Malvern Thrills. The department’s Rec n Roll mobile recreation van will roll [...]
Because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our community, on Aug. 9 Buncombe County began requiring masks in all County buildings regardless of vaccination status. The City of Asheville has followed the public health guidance from the Buncombe County Health Department throughout this pandemic and we will continue to do so. Beginning Aug. [...]
Parks are at the center of so many experiences, memories, and milestones – moments that park and recreation professionals make happen. The U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Park and Recreation Month, emphasizing the outsized role parks play in regards to social equity, personal wellness, and community resiliency. At Asheville City Council’s most [...]
The Senior Opportunity Community Center has unveiled a unique mural of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., created by volunteers and staff. The art project was part of Asheville Park & Recreation’s Black Legacy Month programming in February. Combining paper craft and painting, the colorful and large panel conveys Dr. King’s hope for equality, justice, and a better tomorrow.
At the March 28 City Council meeting, City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP). The Municipal Climate Action Plan officially updates the City’s 2009 Sustainability Management Plan with updated and newly adopted resolutions around climate mitigation and adaptation. This plan supports City Council’s 2036 vision to create [...]
Beginning July 1, a revision to City of Asheville’s no smoking ordinance prohibits smoking on all city owned and occupied property. The new language applies to all City of Asheville parks, greenways and the grounds of city municipal facilities. The move is intended to provide a healthier environment for City of Asheville employees and the general [...]
Already the recipient of a national award for the Spillway and Embankment improvement project, the facility this week hosted visitors from the Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This was the first visit for EPA Asst. Administrator Radhika Fox, who said “It’s stunning, the way that Asheville is really [...]
The City of Asheville Street division of Public Works will be temporarily closing a lane on Court Plaza in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse this week starting Tuesday, April 11, 2023. The temporary closure is projected to last until Thursday, April 13. This is part of continuing sidewalk and curb access improvements. To carry out [...]
This entry is part of Park Views, a weekly Asheville Parks & Recreation series that explores the history of the city’s public parks and community centers – and the mountain spirit that helped make them the unique spaces they are today. Read more from the series and follow APR on
The grass parking area at Mountainside Park will be closed to the public during the 2019 Asheville Tourists baseball season. In response to concerns from the Edgehill and Hunt Hill neighborhoods, these changes in parking will help alleviate traffic impacts during home games. The grass area will be designated parking for Tourists staff and volunteers only, [...]
The City of Asheville’s Comprehensive Bicycle Plan was adopted by Asheville City Council in 2008 after extensive involvement by the city’s bicycle community. But the input and participation from those active groups and other community organizations continues to be critical to making Asheville more and more bicycle friendly. “The cycling community really is our eyes [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation has been the trusted steward of the city’s unique portfolio of parkland and natural spaces since it was established in 1956. The department currently oversees the programming, safety, and usage of parks and facilities covering over 900 acres of land and water. While routine maintenance and replacement of [...]
James Vester Miller Born a slave, an Asheville man went on to leave his fingerprints on some of Asheville’s most prominent buildings. At 4 p.m. July 27, a plaque commemorating the contributions of famed African American brick artisan James Vester Miller will be dedicated in front of Asheville’s Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. Mayor Esther Manheimer will [...]
Until recently, the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) asset management team was spread across multiple outdated, overcrowded facilities. Now, most operations have been consolidated into a single 2.6-acre campus with 18,456 square feet of office and warehouse space on Thompson Street. Efficient Essential Services Asset management is key to day-to-day operations of Asheville’s public parks [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation has important information to share regarding the community’s two public swimming pools. Recreation Park Pool (65 Gashes Creek Rd.) reopened on Friday, June 17 after closing for a week following the discovery of broken glass in the water. Malvern Hills Pool (75 Rumbough Pl.) will not open this [...]
After nearly 50 years of being known as Senior Opportunity Center, the community center on 36 Grove St. in downtown Asheville has a new name. During its September 13 meeting, Asheville City Council approved Asheville Parks & Recreation’s (APR) request to rename the building to Grove Street Community Center. While the community center [...]
On July 28, 2020, Asheville City Council approved the construction of onsite solar systems at five (5) City facilities. The five Asheville City sites are Wall Street Parking Deck, Burton Street Community Center, Shiloh Recreation Center, Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 11. Collectively, this project will install a combined total of 259 kW of solar [...]
Ashevillians looking to beat the heat are in luck! Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) plans to bring free family-friendly foam parties, inflatable water slides, and other water activities to public parks to welcome summer’s arrival. “Asheville Parks & Recreation knows summer fun can get expensive,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation has completed repairs and enhancements to Splasheville in Pack Square Park and plans to open the popular splash pad on Saturday, June 4. At the same time, the department announces a planned closure of Pritchard Park for repair to its iconic brickwork. Updates on additional [...]
The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department announces that Splasheville, the very popular interactive splashpad located in Pack Square Park, is getting an overhaul. Work begins this week to replace the plumbing, wiring, control system and repair or replace the surface tiles and supporting gridwork. Weather permitting, work is estimated to take approximately 10 [...]
As Stephens-Lee Community Center prepares to become the Haunted Castle on the Hill for Festival of Frights, some classes have been cancelled or relocated. Purchase your tickets for Haunted Castle on the Hill to experience one of the area’s longest-running haunted houses. [...]
Following the Climate Emergency Declaration by Asheville City Council in January 2020, city staff have been exploring strategies to incorporate Climate Justice in city operations. Initial engagement in the Climate Justice Initiative sought out community expertise and leadership through interviews, story circles, and lived-experience sharing. This expertise informed tools, priorities and [...]
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza. The event runs [...]
As our thoughts are with the residents and communities of Florida dealing with the brunt of Hurricane Ian, the City of Asheville turns its attention to preparing our community for potential local weather impacts here. The main threat from Hurricane Ian will be heavy rainfall and gusty winds Friday through Saturday. Two-to-three inches are expected to [...]
Little ones ages 3-6 years old are invited to bike, sprint, and splash during Asheville Parks & Recreation’s annual Tiny Tykes Triathlon in Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) on Sunday, August 7. Advance registration is required and costs $10 for Asheville residents or $12 for those residing outside [...]
Three Buncombe County high schools will hold graduation this weekend at the U.S. Cellular Center. AC Reynolds, TC Roberson and North Buncombe graduating seniors will all walk across the stage to receive their diplomas at the U.S. Cellular Center. The City of Asheville is proud to host this important civic event each June. Changes in both security [...]
44 volunteers showed up at the Stephens-Lee Community Center on Saturday, January 15, to give the center’s gymnasium a new coat of paint in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day. The service project, organized by the City of Asheville’s Volunteer Program, saw participants from the community as well as the city’s Parks Maintenance division, [...]
The Wall Street Parking Garage temporary night closures have been extended through May 25, 2023. During this period, the garage will remain open between 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Temporary evening closures are in place to ensure the community’s safety while improvements are being made. More information regarding this project and alternate parking arrangements can be [...]
The City of Asheville, NC is excited to share content though this new blog. We hope that you find the content useful and informative. Thanks for reading.
Nature has a huge impact on health and wellness. Multiple studies point to cortisol, stress, and anxiety levels decreasing in a calm, green environment. If you’re looking for an alternative to a party highlighted by brews on St. Patrick’s Day, check out this volunteer opportunity from Asheville Parks & Recreation. Community members are [...]
From approximately 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022 West Walnut Street will be fully closed between Haywood Street and Rankin Avenue. The West Walnut entrance to the Rankin Avenue Garage will be unavailable for use during this time period. The second Rankin Avenue Garage entrance (located at approximately 12 Rankin Avenue) will [...]
2019 was an exciting year for the WNC Nature Center! In February, a ribbon cutting highlighted a new exhibit and the introduction of two new residents — red pandas named Leafa and Phoenix, who stole the hearts of everyone who attended the event on Valentine’s Day. They are the first species to be introduced as part [...]
