Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting | Nov. 12, 2025

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Recap – November 12, 2025

On November 12, 2025, the Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board convened to discuss ongoing projects, future goals, and community engagement strategies for the county's parks and recreational facilities. The meeting featured a revised format focused on information sharing and discussion, aiming to provide a clearer picture of current initiatives for the public. The board’s deliberations will directly impact how Buncombe County invests in its parks, greenways, and recreational opportunities for residents.

A key focus of the meeting was a review of Buncombe County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), presented by Kevin Kirkwood. This plan outlines upcoming projects across the county, including improvements to Balsam Gardens, Riverlink Gateway Park, and several greenway expansions like the Woodfin Blueway and Beaver Dam Creek Greenway. Kirkwood highlighted that many of these projects rely on securing grants and FEMA assistance, demonstrating the county’s commitment to leveraging external funding sources. The board also discussed the Passive Recreation Fund, established through a 2018 bond referendum, and learned that the Board of Commissioners will present staff recommendations for its allocation on November 19th. Residents are encouraged to attend or view this presentation, as it will directly determine how these funds are utilized.

The board also engaged in a lively discussion about potential pickleball court development, spurred by a presentation from Christina DePish representing the Asheville Pickleball Association. DePish emphasized the growing popularity of pickleball and explored potential locations within Buncombe County, particularly as part of the Inca Recreation Destination Project. This sparked a conversation about community engagement and ensuring that recreational facilities meet the evolving needs of residents. The board also touched upon upcoming goals, including reviewing bylaws and developing a comprehensive community engagement action plan to better connect with residents and special interest groups like the West North County Disco Association.

Several important decisions were made during the meeting, including unanimous approval of the September meeting minutes and the formal appointment of Kevin Kirkwood as Board Chair and Anne Babcock as Vice-Chair. These appointments will provide leadership for the board as they move forward with their goals and strategic planning.

Community input was provided by Christina DePish, who offered valuable insights into pickleball development opportunities. While Bobby Scott from the West North County Disco Association attended, he did not offer any public comments.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. Residents are encouraged to attend the Board of Commissioners meeting on November 19th to learn about recommendations for the Passive Recreation Fund. Staff will continue working on the CIP, exploring funding options and project implementation. The board plans to further develop a community engagement action plan, potentially including a retreat to formulate a long-term capital improvement plan. Finally, staff will research and present information on community engagement markets to explore new avenues for reaching residents. The Parks & Recreation team is also actively preparing for the 25th anniversary Festival of Lights at Lake Julian, a popular event benefiting Special Olympics Buncombe County.

This meeting demonstrated the Advisory Board’s dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities for all Buncombe County residents. By actively engaging in planning, seeking funding, and considering community input, the board is working to ensure that Buncombe County’s parks and recreation facilities continue to thrive.