Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Special Meeting

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Focuses on Future Direction in Special Meeting

On October 14, 2025, the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held a special meeting to review its annual report and chart a course for the coming year. The meeting, attended by board members and staff including Recreation Division Manager Liz Hookwater and Advisory Board Member Kevin Connercote, centered on strengthening the board's role in advocating for Buncombe County’s parks, greenways, and recreation services. While a full quorum wasn't present, the discussion provided valuable insights into the board’s priorities and future plans.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the annual report, which acknowledged transitions within the board and highlighted a commitment to becoming more proactive. The report reaffirmed the board’s core purpose: providing feedback, advocating for improvements, and supporting Buncombe County's parks and recreation system. Recent accomplishments recognized included restarting board meetings, welcoming new members, and re-establishing the passive recreation land subcommittee. Looking ahead, the board identified several key goals, including electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson, updating its bylaws, and focusing advisory input on specific capital investment projects with identified funding requests.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of increased community engagement. Board members expressed strong support for developing a comprehensive plan to connect with residents, including reviewing marketing materials and encouraging each member to participate in at least one outreach event within their assigned district annually. Kevin Connercote suggested a particularly impactful step: encouraging board members to attend County Commissioner meetings to build visibility and foster stronger working relationships with county leadership. Jen Cook, an Advisory Board Member, voiced her appreciation for the clarity provided by the annual report and expressed enthusiasm for the proposed community engagement initiatives.

Despite a productive discussion, the meeting concluded without formal approval of the annual report due to the absence of a quorum. Staff will investigate whether the report can be submitted to the Board of Commissioners without formal board approval.

What's Next? The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will continue to focus on several key action items: electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson, reviewing and updating board bylaws, developing a detailed community engagement plan, and encouraging greater interaction with the County Commissioners. Residents can expect to see increased efforts from board members to engage with their communities and provide feedback on park and recreation initiatives. The next scheduled meeting is November 12th at the Parks and Recreation office (46 Valley Street), where these discussions are expected to continue. This renewed focus on proactive engagement and strategic planning promises a stronger voice for Buncombe County’s parks and recreation system, ultimately benefiting all residents.