The beginning of the year is a great time for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Now is the time to take a look at winter and spring offerings in the new activity guide with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more.
The latest winter-spring edition of Asheville Parks & Recreation’s activity guide can be found online or at community centers across the city. Community members may also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.
Winter-Spring Guide highlights
All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.
- Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.
- Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.
- Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.
- Glow-in-the-dark basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.
- Adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, drop-ins, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery as part of the therapeutic recreation program. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.
- Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.
- The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.
- Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw after parties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.
- Learn something new, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.
- Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.
- Check out weekly opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.
- Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.
- Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.
- Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7. These spots go quick, so mark your calendar!
If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email parks@ashevillenc.gov or call 828-259-5800. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.
Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or COVID-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.
All programs follow current public health guidelines from Buncombe County Health and Human Services. Read about the City of Asheville’s response to COVID-19 here.