No foolin’, April is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf as Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s calendar celebrates the joy of spring and new beginnings. Browse highlights below and use these links to find additional opportunities including free meetups and clubs, exercise and sports, arts and crafts, and more each week and [...]
Vehicles and heavy equipment used by City of Asheville departments such as police, fire, public works, sanitation, water, parks and recreation, transit, and street services play a vital role in maintaining our city, public safety, parks and community centers, and water and transportation systems. These specialized vehicles and the teams that operate them have been [...]
This entry is part of Park Views, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that explores the history of the city’s public parks and community centers – and the mountain spirit that helped make them the unique spaces they are today. Read more from the series and follow APR on Facebook [...]
Get ready to shake off winter as Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s March calendar is a fresh wave of energy blooming with events and programs that celebrate the season of renewal. Browse highlights below and use these resources to find a lineup of additional opportunities including free meetups and clubs, exercise and sports, arts and [...]
What’s Up AVL! The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show allows the community to take a deep dive with the City of Asheville staff and departments. You can learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. On this episode host Meredith Friedheim is joined by Christo Bubenik, Asheville Parks and Recreation Communication Manager. [...]
The Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team heard you, Asheville! You love staying connected to the amazing things happening in your parks and recreation system, but sometimes it can be a lot to sift through. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new way to stay in the loop with newsletters focused on specific [...]
The camaraderie and challenge of Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts are back! The weeks-long festival celebrates the transformative ability of sports and the arts to foster friendship and wellness for participants ages 50-100+. There is a $10 fee to participate and online registration opens February 8 at ncseniorgames.org. “Living healthy, active, and creative [...]
Registration opens on March 3 at 6pm on www.AVLREC.com. Get ready for a summer focused on positive teamwork, building independence, and fostering imagination and creativity! Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) summer camps offer 10 weeks of affordable fun for Asheville’s youngest adventurers, artists, nature lovers, gamers, athletes, scientists, and leaders-in-training. While summer [...]
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce a growing partnership with Southside Community Farm to provide access to fresh, free food at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. A new “Free Fridge” was installed inside the community center and will be stocked with fresh food and maintained by Southside Community Farm [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s Therapeutic Recreation program celebrates 20 amazing years of life-enhancing experiences in 2025. It serves hundreds of participants through year-round programs that include supper clubs, crafting, fitness, hiking, adaptive sports, parents’ nights out, movies, dances, cooking classes, field trips, camps, and more. The program is based out of Murphy-Oakley [...]
Plan ahead for summer swim opportunities
Throughout the year, the City of Asheville and its partners share unique stories, rich cultural events, and opportunities to connect with neighbors that make the city a special place to call home. In February, all community members are invited to reflect on local Black history, heritage, and hope as Asheville Parks & Recreation [...]
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
While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...]
One of the many advantages of living in Asheville is experiencing all four seasons. While some advice is evergreen, winter comes with unique challenges (and rewards!) regarding outside recreation. The Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) pros share tips below to stay comfortable and safe while exploring the city’s parks and greenways during cold temperatures. Note: [...]
As temperatures drop and Ashevillians settle in for post-holiday relaxation, the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team has a fun challenge to keep the city moving, creating, and connecting during the first month of 2025. Community members can pick up or print a PARKS activity card, complete activities throughout the month, and [...]
City of Asheville offices will be closed December 24-26, 2024 during the winter holiday break. City offices will also be closed on January 1, 2025. Helene Recovery Efforts Debris Collection: Helene-related debris collection will continue throughout the holidays. FEMA Disaster Relief Center at Asheville Mall will have holiday hours: December 24: Closed December 25-26: Closed December 27: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. January 1, [...]