Explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation this fall

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 [...]

Get moving with Asheville Parks & Recreation’s city-wide free Fit 50 Challenge

Ashevillians looking for motivation to get moving during colder months can join friends, neighbors, and other community members as the city runs, walks, and rolls during the free Fit 50 Challenge. Back for its second year, Asheville Parks & Recreation’s challenge allows participants to track their progress as they complete 50 miles between February 1-April 1.

Wellness Wednesday – Celebrate National Garden Month

As warm days become more plentiful, gardners throughout the city grow increasingly impatient to sink their trowels into the soil. U.S. Department of Agriculture has proclaimed April as National Garden Month to celebrate the contributions of home, school, and community gardens in providing healthy food for the table, pleasant surroundings and recreational benefits for neighborhoods, and habitats for wildlife across communities.

Wellness Wednesday – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in truly green fashion

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 [...]

Wellness Wednesday – Check out local adult athletic leagues

Kids and teens are often encouraged to join sports teams to learn how to work with others, make friends, and stay active outside of school. However, athletic leagues also offer the advantage to foster cooperation and friendly competition for adults, too. Registrations for adult softball leagues are open through February 28. So, what [...]

Wellness Wednesday – Cultivate community through clean streets and streams

The City of Asheville has partnered with local organizations to host neighborhood cleanups over the next few weeks to keep litter off our streets and out of our streams. Lend a hand and enjoy physical and mental health benefits such as feeling a sense of accomplishment, getting exercise, enjoying fresh air, meeting new people, and all that comes with living in cleaner surroundings.

Wellness Wednesday – Daylight Saving Time can help recharge your sleep pattern

“Hello darkness, my old friend. Soon you’ll come at 5 p.m.” Is that how the lyrics go? The twice-yearly ritual of adjusting our clocks by an hour returns this weekend.  Daylight saving time (DST) in North Carolina officially begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March when clocks are set ahead by one hour [...]

Wellness Wednesday – Explore, Connect and Discover through Volunteering

Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in our community by filling the gaps that public service agencies and nonprofit organizations can’t bridge on their own. From coaching youth sports and mentoring students to keeping trash out of the French Broad River and growing fresh food in community gardens, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Wellness Wednesday – Farm to table is easy in Asheville’s local markets

Farmers markets and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs provide opportunities to promote access to delicious, healthy foods and provide families with nutrition education. As trusted providers of accessible nutrition hubs and wellness opportunities, multiple departments within the City of Asheville have worked closely for years with local organizations to expand access to healthy food and locally made products from farmers, bakers, and others.

Wellness Wednesday – Spend 100 Hours Outside this summer, win prizes

When Ginny and Josh Yurich wanted to balance their kids’ screen time with more time spent outdoors, they found their greatest memories as a family and most successful parenting moments came from time spent outside. To spread thoughts, pictures, and words of encouragement, Ginny created 1000 Hours Outside. The organization encourages families [...]

Wellness Wednesday – Take advantage of “falling back” by resetting your sleep schedule

To help understand the concept of daylight saving time, many of us were taught to “fall back, spring forward.” Although an hour is neither truly gained or lost during the year, the beginning of daylight saving time on March 13 can have an effect on your health. Good sleep habits are an element to success [...]