Thanks to a new initiative by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), local high school students receive free annual fitness center memberships for no charge at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers with cardio equipment, exercise machines, and free weights. This free benefit has been available to community members ages 60 and over for several years.
“Quality workout equipment and fitness classes remain important parts of personal wellness at any age, but they’re critical as young people develop or we age athletically,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “The fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness.”
Work Out for Free in Asheville
Community members can sign up online or at any community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location. High school
students should bring a student ID or other form of school identification the first time they use a fitness center. An adult must remain in the building with students ages 16 and under. Adults ages 60 and over can show a drivers license or other government-issued ID to receive their free annual passes.
For those outside of these groups, annual memberships are just $50 for Asheville residents or $75 for a family of up to four people.
Fitness rooms are available whenever community centers are open. Please call individual centers with any questions.
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, located on 121 Shiloh Rd., can be reached at 828-274-7739.
- Stephens-Lee Community Center, located on 30 George Washington Carver Ave., can be reached at 828-250-2058.
Free Fitness Opportunities for All
APR offers no-cost and low-cost adult and youth sports leagues, pickleball and golf clinics, outdoor programs for all ages, and classes for older adults to exercise the mind and body at locations throughout the city, as well as free opportunities highlighted below.
Basketball Open Play and Pick-up
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
- Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m.
- Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
- Monday and Thursday, 6-10 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, 6:30-8:45 p.m.
- Saturday, 12-3:45 p.m.
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
- Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
Volleyball Open Play and Pick-up
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
- Wednesday, 6:30-9 p.m.
- Monday, 6:30-8:45 p.m.
Looking for More?
From sports leagues and social skate nights to weekly fitness classes and outdoor meetups, APR has hundreds of opportunities to meet people and stay active each month. Pick up a program guide at any community center, search activities online, and sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter.