In a swift response to incident near Crump Shiloh Community Center, Asheville Parks & Recreation reaffirms commitment to community safety

As stated in the press release from Asheville Police Department (APD), a shooting took place on July 21 near Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center which resulted in injuries to individuals not associated with summer camp or organized center programming. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) would like to assure the public that no campers [...]

parks and recreation staff group shot from retreat

Comebacks, Recovery, and the Path to Exciting New Adventures: Asheville Parks & Recreation shares recovery updates

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 [...]

maria young wearing blue Asheville Parks & Recreation shirt

APR Innovators: Maria Young

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone. When did you [...]

charboss machine on site

Collaborative biochar pilot project completed in Asheville

During the month of May 2025, the City of Asheville conducted a successful biochar pilot project with the help of the US Forest Service (USFS) at the Southern Research Station.

Rebecca Familette wearing St. Patricks headband and green mustache

APR Innovators: Becca Familette

APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone. When did [...]

mid year momentum

Mid-year momentum: 2025 infrastructure progress + future outlook

Asheville City Council unanimously approved the $256.36 million budget for the fiscal year 2026 at their regular meeting on June 10. The spending plan includes a robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that focuses on storm recovery, parks, transportation, public safety and community infrastructure over the next five years. Projects are selected for funding in [...]

collage of different parks and recreation images including woodoworking, dancing seniors, football, greenway walking, playground and ground breaking

‘Build Together, Play Together’ with Asheville Parks & Recreation

The City of Asheville officially kicked off its annual celebration of Park and Recreation Month, as Council member Bo Hess, on behalf of Mayor Esther Manheimer, proclaimed July 2025 as Asheville Parks & Recreation Month in the city. The proclamation underscores the vital role of parks and recreation in fostering community health and unity, [...]

Pete Wall receives award

‘Recreate Asheville’ Plan Honored with Prestigious NCASLA Merit Award for Analysis & Planning

The City of Asheville is proud to announce that Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s 10-year comprehensive plan, received the Merit Award in Analysis & Planning from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NCASLA). This significant recognition underscores the plan’s innovative approach [...]