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Stay Active in Asheville with Alternative Activities While Parks Recover
Asheville -- January 21, 2025: Press Release City of Asheville Government: When Helene swept across the region in September, it left
unprecedented destruction including an estimated
$1 billion in damages to City of Asheville municipally-owned properties and assets. As the community works to rebound and rebuild, some public recreation amenities will be offline for extended periods. In the meantime, check out some alternatives from Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) experts to stay active and connected. You may even find a new favorite!
Note: Wind, rain, snow, and other weather events may affect the condition of some of these spaces. Be sure to check locations’ websites for updated statuses.
Dog Parks
Both of APR’s off-leash dog areas in Azalea and French Broad River parks were decimated by flood waters. While the department researches alternative locations for dog parks, give these spots a visit.
Off-leash dog parks at Buncombe County Sports Park in Candler, Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher, and Mills River Park in Mills River
Explore new areas by leash including greenways or natural hiking trails near the city
Explore new areas by leash including greenways or natural hiking trails near the city
Sand Volleyball
The APR team is looking for alternative locations to house beach volleyball courts since those at Carrier Park were swept away, but you can still spike the ball over the net.
Sand volleyball courts at Buncombe County Sports Park in Candler
Set up your own net for grass volleyball in flat areas at spots like Choctaw Park, Jake Rusher Park, Hummingbird Park, E.W. Grove Park, Roger Farmer Park, Leah Chiles Park, and most community centers
Take it indoors with volleyball courts at Avery Montford Center (see schedule), Grant Southside Center (see schedule), and Stephens-Lee Center (see schedule)
Set up your own net for grass volleyball in flat areas at spots like Choctaw Park, Jake Rusher Park, Hummingbird Park, E.W. Grove Park, Roger Farmer Park, Leah Chiles Park, and most community centers
Take it indoors with volleyball courts at Avery Montford Center (see schedule), Grant Southside Center (see schedule), and Stephens-Lee Center (see schedule)
Recreational Skating
The City of Asheville is working with partners to support inline hockey and recreational skating after Carrier Park’s rink was severely damaged by floodwaters and debris, but you don’t have to hang up your skates in the meantime.
Outdoor sports courts are great spots to go gliding, but keep in mind that basketball, bike polo, pickleball, and tennis take precedent depending on the court
Travel down a greenway to take in more scenery along the journey
Disc Golf
Multiple areas within Richmond Hill Park continue to pose safety risks due to tree destabilization and excessive debris, but there are other spots to pursue pole holes in the area.
Travel down a greenway to take in more scenery along the journey
Disc Golf
Multiple areas within Richmond Hill Park continue to pose safety risks due to tree destabilization and excessive debris, but there are other spots to pursue pole holes in the area.
A new APR course at Aston Park features three different tee-off points at each of the six goal baskets maximizing its compact park space to entertain users for a full 18 holes
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s courses at Buncombe County Sports Park and Lake Julian Park have some baskets open, as does Veterans Park in Black Mountain
Courses available outside of school hours are located at Enka High School, North Buncombe High School, and Owen High School
Courses available outside of school hours are located at Enka High School, North Buncombe High School, and Owen High School
Biking
Give these spots some attention while the City of Asheville assesses damage to Richmond Hill Park’s trails and Carrier Park’s velodrome.
Explore mountain biking in Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and DuPont State Recreational Forest
For hard surface biking, check out Asheville’s greenways
For hard surface biking, check out Asheville’s greenways
Organized Recreation
APR community centers offer fitness rooms and a variety of indoor wellness classes, game and hobby clubs, special events, and more for Ashevillians of all ages. Check out current programs and sports leagues, sign up for APR’s monthly newsletter, or follow APR on Facebook and Instagram to explore, connect, and discover all year long.
Looking for Something Else?
The APR team is happy to suggest additional options. Please email parks@ashevillenc.gov or call (828) 259-5800 to discuss your need
The APR team is happy to suggest additional options. Please email parks@ashevillenc.gov or call (828) 259-5800 to discuss your need
Image: WNCTimes
original press release here
