Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt shares this update on parks recovery.
As we welcome August, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience and mountain spirit that continue to define Asheville. The past few months have certainly presented challenges, but they brought out the very best in all of us – and I’m pleased to share some of the progress we have made and what exciting things are on the horizon for Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR).
Building Back Better
Our biggest undertaking continues to be recovery efforts following catastrophic destruction from Tropical Storm Helene 10 months ago. This storm left its mark, particularly on our beloved parks along the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers.
I am grateful to report that we have made significant strides in the recovery process. All damaged parks have been thoroughly inspected and grouped into strategic projects for efficiency and to ensure crucial steps are followed to secure necessary funding and resources. This systematic approach allows us to not only rebuild, but to “build back better” by designing and constructing parks that are more resilient and enjoyable than ever before. We understand the importance of these green spaces to your wellbeing, and our team is working tirelessly to expedite the process to bring them back to life.
Exciting Activity in Public Spaces
In another exciting development, we’re wagging our tails to announce a new temporary dog park at Riverbend Park. This fantastic amenity was made possible through a generous partnership with HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health. We know how much our four-legged friends (and their owners!) missed having a dedicated space to play off-leash and we are grateful to HCA Healthcare’s Mission Health for helping us make this a reality so quickly. Be sure to check out photos from the grand opening and make a visit with your furry companions!
The spirit of community partnership is also shining bright through the City of Asheville’s innovative Temporary Activation Program (TAP), designed to connect dedicated community members and groups to tangible recovery efforts within our parks and public spaces. If you are looking to lend a hand and contribute to the revitalization of our community, TAP is your gateway to making a real difference. We have already seen incredible enthusiasm and encourage anyone interested to get involved.
When the City of Asheville refers to recovery projects as “temporary,” it’s important not to confuse the term with “pop-up.” The temporary dog park is not an installation that will be gone in a few weeks. The plan is to keep the temporary dog park open and operational until we can permanently replace dog parks lost due to the Helene-related destruction. That could be anywhere from months to years.
Shaping Tomorrow, Rebuilding Now
The visioning process for Walton Street Park is well underway, guided by a dedicated committee composed primarily of neighbors in the Southside neighborhood. This committee actively worked to develop a community vision statement that serves as the guiding principle for development and improvements, ensuring the park’s future truly reflects the needs and desires of this dynamic neighborhood.
Looking ahead, there’s even more on the way. We expect debris cleanup to wrap up soon at Riverside Cemetery and Richmond Hill Park, which means these cherished areas will be fully reopened for you to enjoy once again. We know how important these spaces are for reflection and recreation and appreciate your patience as we work diligently to ensure they can welcome you back safely.
We are also excited about the upcoming opening of a temporary skating and inline hockey rink to provide a much-needed resource and fun opportunities for our community as we continue to heal and rebuild. More details will be shared soon, so sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Upcoming Projects and Engagement
Your voice matters and we want to hear it! We’ll soon seek feedback on upcoming community investments including dedicated pickleball courts and significant improvements at Malvern Hills Park. Please share your ideas and help us shape the future of recreation opportunities in Asheville. Your input is invaluable as we strive to create spaces that truly serve the needs and reflect the vision of our community.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and unparalleled spirit. We are proud to serve a vibrant and caring community – and we look forward to seeing you out and about in your parks!
Recreationally,
D. Tyrell McGirt, MPA, CPRP, AFO
Asheville Parks & Recreation Director