Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Charts a Course for a More Active Role in Buncombe County

On October 9, 2025, the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened a special meeting focused on finalizing their annual report and outlining future goals for the board. The discussion centered around a desire to evolve from primarily reporting on activities to actively advising on strategic investments, community engagement, and partnerships within the county's parks and recreation system. This meeting signals a potential shift towards a more influential role for the board in shaping the future of our parks and recreational opportunities.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing a draft of the annual report, acknowledging challenges encountered during the year due to staffing transitions and board vacancies. Despite these hurdles, the report highlighted key accomplishments including the appointment of two new advisory board members, restarting regular board meetings, and making progress on outreach efforts related to the system-wide parks and recreation master plan. The board agreed to finalize and approve this report via email following the meeting, providing a formal record of their activities over the past year.

Beyond the annual report, discussions revolved around how to best enhance community engagement and ensure that parks and recreation services truly reflect the needs of Buncombe County residents. Board members explored various outreach strategies, including utilizing QR codes, newsletters, social media, and attending community events to gather feedback. The importance of understanding park usage patterns and prioritizing capital improvements based on community input was repeatedly emphasized, with members Kevin and Leslie sharing their perspectives on these crucial areas. The board also briefly touched upon the potential for revenue-generating activities to support park improvements and programming.

While no formal votes were taken during the meeting, several key action items emerged that will directly impact how our parks and recreation system develops in the coming year. The board committed to: appointing a chairperson and vice-chairperson; reviewing and updating the advisory board bylaws; developing a comprehensive community engagement action plan; supporting the implementation of the system-wide parks and recreation master plan, including participating in biannual progress reviews; increasing interaction with County Commissioners through both formal meetings and informal engagement at community events; and requiring each district member to participate in at least one outreach event per year.

This meeting demonstrates a clear commitment from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to strengthen its connection with residents and proactively contribute to shaping a vibrant and accessible parks and recreation system for all Buncombe County citizens. By focusing on increased community engagement, strategic planning, and advocating for specific capital projects, the board aims to ensure that our parks, greenways, and recreational programs continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. Residents can expect to see increased outreach efforts and a more active voice from the board as they work towards these goals.