June is Great Outdoors Month and kicks off with Global Running Day and National Trails Day. Asheville’s growing network of greenways, natural surface trails, and scenic urban hikes act as a foundation of a vibrant hub for community members to connect with neighbors and explore the [...]
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 [...]
“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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
Biking and cycling can be more than a fun childhood pastime or eco-friendly hobby. May is National Bike Month, so celebrate the benefits of this versatile form of exercise that can be adjusted to different fitness levels and goals. There are many benefits of biking 30 minutes or more a day including [...]
Senior Opportunity Community Center holds many memories for Ashevillians of all ages. Like the city in which it is located, the building, staff, and frequent visitors have seen many changes – and one of the biggest may be in the near future. Over the past few weeks, Asheville Parks & Recreation has been asking [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation brings free movies under the stars to Pack Square Park A tradition for many mountain families returns to Pack Square Park on Friday, May 13. Asheville Parks & Recreation’s popular Movies in the Park series begins its 2022 season with a showing of Encanto. Community members are invited to bring [...]
With access to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s pools, parks, and greenways, it’s natural to get out in the sun during warm spring and summer days. This year, make sure it’s second nature to protect your skin from the sun when you go outside.
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.
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 [...]
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.
Asheville City government offices will be closed April 15 for spring break.
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.
Asheville Parks & Recreation oversees many specialized programs to harness the transformative power of outdoor spaces, cultural arts, and active living for all members of our community. Throughout the years, the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Program has offered many opportunities for inclusive and adaptive activities to locals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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.
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.