Belfry photo

 Scaffolding and fencing to accompany Asheville City Hall belfry repair

  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 [...]

girls playing soccer

ABYSA to share financial responsibility for JBL Soccer Complex maintenance, under new agreement

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 [...]

Aloft hotel opening marks great public/private partnership

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 [...]

City Hall snow

ART bus service to resume at 8 a.m., City government offices to open at 10 a.m.

  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 [...]

ART buses, City of Asheville offices on weather delay; trash pickup cancelled

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,” [...]

Service Alert

ART Service Alert

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 [...]

Municipal Golf Course in Asheville

Asheville City Council approves Commonwealth Golf Partners as new operator of the Municipal Golf Course

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 [...]

road paving file photo

Asheville City Council approves funds for an annual street resurfacing project

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 [...]

fire hydrant with mountain view

Asheville City Council approves south Asheville water infrastructure improvements

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 [...]

Asheville emergency communications tower to be replaced this fall

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 [...]

entrance to fire station 4

Asheville Fire Department hosts Hose Uncoupling Ceremony at Fire Station 4

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 [...]

COVID-19 update photo illustration

Asheville Mayor Manheimer amends State of Emergency proclamation, limiting organized gatherings on City property to 100

  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 [...]

Asheville Parks & Recreation offers free and low-cost summer fun throughout the city

“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 [...]

project sign at magnolia park

Asheville Parks & Recreation shares updates on multiple projects

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.

Parks closures graphic

Asheville parks remain closed, Municipal Golf Course reopens, greenways and trails are open

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 [...]

Asheville Police Department building front

Asheville Police Headquarters to be named after late lieutenant

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 [...]

APD COVID graphic

Asheville Police to close its buildings to public to promote COVID-19 social distancing measures 

  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 [...]

Pools update graphic

Asheville pools and Splasheville closed for summer season

  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 [...]

Asheville Old Toll Road in snow

Asheville receives dusting of snow, City offices open

  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 Hall photo with flag

Asheville Sanitation, ART bus schedules altered for Labor Day holiday

  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, [...]

North Fork clearwell

Asheville Water Resources to begin maintenance on 5 million-gallon tank as part of proactive resource management

  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 [...]

Lewis Isaac photo

Aston Park tennis court to be named for Lewis Isaac

  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 [...]

biltmore avenue parking garage

Biltmore Garage to temporarily close on April 11 through April 25, alternate parking arrangements available

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 [...]

Bond project update: Playgrounds and sport courts under construction

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 [...]

hispanic heritage banner

Burton Street Community Center celebrates Hispanic heritage on October 21

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 [...]

Butterflies return to WNC Nature Center on Saturday

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 [...]

grant center artist rendering

Celebrate the spirit of Southside at a block party and community center ribbon cutting on August 4

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 [...]

Celebrating Black Legacy Month – Asheville Parks & Recreation community centers remember local historic residents

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 [...]

Celebrating Black Legacy Month – Asheville Parks & Recreation parks and playgrounds remember local historic residents

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 [...]

Celebrating Women’s History Month – Asheville Parks & Recreation facilities remember local historic women

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 [...]

APD logo with backdrop

City Council approves lease agreement for new south Asheville Police Resource Center location

    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 [...]

City Hall energy efficient lighting retrofit means $15,000 annual savings

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 [...]

Transit Station solar panels

City of Asheville ‘flips the switch’ on solar panels at renovated Transit Station

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 [...]

avl-city-hall-winter

City of Asheville announces holiday closings

  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 [...]

City of Asheville announces temporary Community Center hours to allow for staff training

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 [...]

City hall with winter barren trees

City of Asheville announces winter break holiday closings

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 [...]

City hall with winter barren trees

City of Asheville announces winter break holiday closings

  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 Hall snow

City of Asheville announces winter holiday closings and ART bus holiday schedule

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 [...]

solar panels on Fire Station 11

City of Asheville completes aggregated solar project

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. 

City of Asheville employees pitch in for Day of Caring

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 [...]

City of Asheville Fire Department is awarded a Class 1 fire rating

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 [...]

City of Asheville Fleet Manager Jake Klodt recognized for excellence in the industry

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 [...]

City of Asheville offices close for Memorial Day holiday; Sanitation and ART buses run on holiday schedule

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 [...]

Asheville City Hall in fall

City of Asheville offices close for Thanksgiving holiday

    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 [...]

City of Asheville offices closed for Labor Day, ART buses to run on holiday schedule

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 [...]

City of Asheville offices closed for Veterans Day, ART buses to run on regular schedule

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.

City Hall building dome

City of Asheville offices closed July 3

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 Hall

City of Asheville offices to close April 2 for spring break

  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, [...]

Asheville holiday schedule photo illustration

City of Asheville offices to close for Juneteenth Observance – Monday, June 20, 2022

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 [...]

City of Asheville offices to close for Labor Day holiday

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 [...]

Asheville City Hall in fall

City of Asheville offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday; Sanitation, bus service alter schedules

  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 offices to close Friday, March 25

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 [...]

Stuffed animal raccoons with tennis racquet and pickleball paddle on water fountain with program guide cover inset

City of Asheville Parks and Recreation releases its Winter-Spring program guide for 2023

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.

City of Asheville shares data from new solar installation at Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

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 [...]

City of Asheville to open process for Civic Center naming rights

  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 [...]

City of Asheville to share updates on Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park at community events

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 [...]

Thanksgiving closings illustration

City offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday; Asheville Sanitation collection, ART bus service alter schedules

    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

haywood street panorama view

Community invited to come and view Haywood and Page Avenue design concepts

    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 [...]

City hall closed COVID graphic

COVID-19: A message from Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell

    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 [...]

three women playing pickleball on a dual lined court

Dual lines added at public outdoor racquet sports courts, shared use schedule for pickleball and tennis begins March 13

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 [...]

raccoon mascots holding racquets for tennis and pickleball

Dual lines to be added at all public outdoor racquet sports courts as short-term solution to support local growth of pickleball and tennis

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 [...]

two stuffed animal raccoons on bridge railing

Fall for Asheville Parks & Recreation – and receive a gift!

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 [...]

Groundhog Day at the WNC Nature Center

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 [...]

shelter graphic

Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville opens as a shelter during public health emergency

  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 [...]

covid mask

Masks to be required in all City of Asheville buildings

  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. [...]

Mayor Esther Manheimer proclaims July as Parks and Recreation Month

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 [...]

MLK mural on display at Senior Opportunity Community Center

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.

image of green healthy tree merging into dying dry tree

Municipal Climate Action Plan adopted by City Council

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 [...]

No-smoking ordinance prohibits smoking on city property starting July 1

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 [...]

N Fork Dam

North Fork Water Treatment Plant and Dam once again receives national attention

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 [...]

map of college street with graphics indicating work areas

Pardon our dust: Sidewalk works near Court Plaza

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 [...]

Aerial map

Parking changes coming for Mountainside Park

  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, [...]

Participation from cycling community continues to help improve Asheville’s bike access

  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 [...]

Plaque honoring African American brick artisan to be dedicated at Asheville’s Municipal Building

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 [...]

parks asset building on Thompson Street

Public benefits from Asheville Parks & Recreation’s consolidated asset management campus

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 [...]

solar rooftop array

Solar energy systems to be installed on City of Asheville facilities as part of joint City-County renewable energy initiative

  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 [...]

Asheville Splasheville

Splasheville to undergo renovation

  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 [...]

Climate Justice image

Sustainability Department shares Climate Justice Initiative update

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 [...]

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium exterior

U.S. Cellular Center releases parking information and security protocols for Buncombe County school graduations, including free parking for graduates

    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 [...]

Volunteers repaint Stephens-Lee gym in recognition of MLK weekend

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, [...]

Welcome to the City of Asheville Blog!

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.

Road closed Detour

West Walnut St. and Rankin Ave. Garage Entrance – Closure on Monday, August 1, 2022

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 [...]

photo of Leafa the Red Panda in a tree

WNC Nature Center sets record attendance in 2019

  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 [...]

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