Park District: South
Census Tract: 22.01/22.02
Neighborhood: Royal Pines Village
This project is complete. View the City of Asheville’s active projects. For information about Asheville’s parks and recreation facilities, visit the Asheville Parks & Recreation page.

Background

The Royal Pines neighborhood got its start as a large residential subdivision in 1925. Named for the white pine trees growing in the area, the development offered electric power, paved roads, a water and sewerage system, and recreational opportunities for its residents. Like most of the area and nation, the Great Depression slowed growth, but the population boom following World War II helped realize Royal Pines’ potential.

Jake Rusher owned the Royal Pines Club, Recreation Center, Pool, and Skateboard Park for over five decades. The campus also included a dance hall and casino, becoming a popular hangout for college and high school students from the 1940s through the 1980s. During its heyday, The Supremes, the Isley Brothers, The Drifters, Bo Diddley, and other stars performed at the center.

In 1999, Rusher donated the land to the City of Asheville. Asheville Parks & Recreation replaced the pool and casino building with a playground, natural play spaces, benches, and a basketball court. Following Asheville voters’ 2016 approval of $17 million in bond funding to improve, enhance, and develop parks and facilities, a series of community meetings, focus groups, and other feedback opportunities were offered throughout 2017-2019.

On February 11, 2020, Asheville City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to move forward with a $975,274 construction contract with Carolina Specialties Construction for improvements to Jake Rusher Park. Improvements include a pavilion and restroom building, additional parking, accessible sidewalks, sport courts, new landscaping, improved lighting, and relocation of utilities. Construction on the recreational features was completed in 2021.

The interactive playable art feature is scheduled for fabrication in 2023 with installation to follow and will be an addition to the existing playground.

Project Timeline

2017

  • April 5, 17, and 30: Community meetings
  • Summer-Fall: Planning and conceptual drawings

2018

  • May 19 and 24: Community meetings
  • June: Online feedback
  • Summer-Fall: Planning and conceptual drawings

2019

  • December 19: Bids advertised for qualified builders

2020

  • February 11: City Council unanimously approves the scope of work and authorizes the City Manager to enter into a contract
  • April: Construction begins

2021

  • July 24: Ribbon cutting
  • October 7: Virtual meet and greet with Becky Borlan

2022

  • Design, engineering, and development of interactive playable art feature

2023

  • Winter: Site preparation, fabrication, and installation of playable art feature

Supporting Documents

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Bond Referendum Overview

Spring of 2017 Community Meetings Flyer

Spring of 2018 Community Meetings Flyer

Contact Information

Parks & Recreation, parks@ashevillenc.gov, 828-259-5800

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Find Asheville parks, community centers, and pools near you. Search by location, filter by amenity, or view a list.

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Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) manages a unique collection of 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 of all ages.

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