Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: March 10, 2026

The Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board convened on March 10, 2026, with a full board present including newly appointed members who shared their passion for enhancing community well-being through parks and recreation. The meeting focused on several key initiatives impacting the county's park system, from land acquisition to community engagement and future budgeting. This recap summarizes those discussions and outlines what residents can expect moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the impending acquisition of Deep River Mountain, a 342-acre parcel poised to become a valuable addition to Buncombe County’s parkland. The Board received an update on the acquisition process and approved plans for a celebratory press conference scheduled for April 13th. Following the acquisition, development will begin, including trail construction and crucial wildfire mitigation strategies – a point emphasized by board members concerned about the potential risks on this newly acquired land. The importance of addressing wildfire concerns was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, reflecting a growing awareness of this critical issue.

The ongoing redevelopment of Owen Park was another major topic, with Horseshot leading community engagement efforts. A public event is planned for March 30th at Owen High School, and board members were strongly encouraged to participate by tabling and engaging with residents. Discussions also touched on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2027, with the Glen Bridge River Access project slated to be included. A more detailed presentation on the 5-year CIP is planned for a future meeting in July, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about long-term park development plans.

Beyond specific projects, the Board dedicated considerable time to discussing a plan for increased community engagement. Recognizing that traditional Parks & Rec events may not reach everyone, the Board agreed to expand outreach efforts to include venues like farmer's markets and other community gatherings. Christina Topp, president of the Asheville Pickleball Association (APA), presented on her organization's extensive work and potential for collaboration with Buncombe County Parks & Rec, sparking a discussion about the APA’s name and future partnerships that will continue outside of this meeting.

During public comment, Christina Topp advocated for greater awareness of Buncombe County Parks & Recreation resources, particularly among underserved populations. Several board members echoed this sentiment and suggested creating a simple card with contact information for residents to easily access Parks & Rec services. The Board formally approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, acknowledged a vacancy in District 2 (with a review process outlined), and emphasized the importance of reviewing the Buncombe County Parks & Rec website.

What's Next for Residents?

• Mark your calendars: Join the celebration and press conference announcing the acquisition of Deep River Mountain on April 13th.
• Attend the Owen Park event: Stop by the March 30th event at Owen High School to learn more about the redevelopment plans.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye out for updates on the 5-year Capital Improvement Program, which will be presented at a future meeting in July.
• Get Involved: Board members encourage residents to attend community events and share information about Buncombe County Parks & Rec.

As Director Allison Daines stated, "I truly believe that parks enhance people’s quality of life," a sentiment shared by all board members. The Board's focus on community engagement, wildfire mitigation, and strategic partnerships demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that Buncombe County’s parks continue to thrive as valuable assets for all residents.