With summer just around the corner, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) released its seasonal program guide this week with a bit of everything for everyone including fitness classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, activities for kids and teens, outdoor recreation opportunities, special events, and more. The free guide is available online at ashevillenc.gov/apr-guide in English and Spanish. Community members may search programs in 133 languages via Google Translate’s Website Translator on AVLREC.com.
“Growing up, I did not enjoy the traditional classroom setting during the school year and summer offered the more casual atmosphere I craved with day camps, neighborhood events, and other sports and leisure activities,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “Asheville Parks & Recreation’s summer offerings are like summer camp. We have a little bit of everything for everyone, you are guaranteed to make a new friend, and you will be in a safe environment.”
Asheville Parks & Recreation Summer 2023 Program Highlights
All events are free unless noted. Advance registration may be required for free events.
- Bounce, rock, skate, and roll around Asheville’s outdoor skating rink on Skate Nights in Carrier Park on June 2, July 7, and August 4.
The entire community is invited to McCormick Field on June 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to cheer on exceptional athletes during TR Adaptive Baseball League’s championship game. Support the superstars, meet Ted E. Tourist, and learn more about Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation programs.- Week-long football and basketball skills training camps for teens and kids take place June 5-9 and June 12-16. Each week costs $10.
- Older adults hit the road for Harvest House Day Trips on June 8 (Great Smoky Mountain National Park), June 22 (River Arts District), July 13 (Dupont State Forest), July 27 (New Belgium Brewery), August 10 (Blowing Rock and Boone), and August 24 (Penland School of Craft). Prices vary.
- Watch stars under the stars on the big screen at Movies in the Park in Pack Square Park on June 9 (Cruella), July 14 (Top Gun: Maverick), and August 11 (Little Giants).
- Who’s got next? Midnight Basketball Summer Slam returns to Carrier Park on June 10, July 15, and August 19 from 8-11:59 p.m. Open play with your squad, enjoy local food trucks, and show your skills.
- Burton Street Community Center lets tail-waggers enjoy summer fun, too. Yappy Hour on June 24 includes prizes, giveaways, and refreshments for canines and well-behaved owners.
- Register between June 1-20 for Asheville’s adult kickball league. Games begin June 27. Season registration is $100 per team.
- Teens and tweens are invited to experience black light fun in the gym at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center’s Glow Nights on June 30 (laser tag), July 28 (dodgeball), and August 25 (capture the flag).
- Get up-close views of rare motorcycles and outstanding vehicles as Team Us honors bike clubs at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center’s Biker Bash on July 1 from 1-9 p.m.
- June is also the final month to work out for free at Asheville Parks & Recreation fitness centers. On July 1, an annual fitness center membership costs $50 for community members who live within Asheville city limits or $75 for those outside city limits. Memberships remain free for anyone 60 years-old or over.
- With more than 65 public parks and 10 miles of paved greenways throughout the city, Asheville Parks & Recreation also ensures plenty of spaces for residents to choose their own adventures, celebrate milestones, and connect with friends all summer long.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 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 a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 10 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.
Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For latest updates, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation, or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.