Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting: July 9, 2025

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: July 9, 2025

The Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects, address the aftermath of recent hurricane damage, and plan for the future of our county’s parks and recreational spaces. The meeting included updates from Parks Department staff, discussions on key initiatives, and opportunities for community input.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around Greenway projects across Buncombe County. While the budget for Parks and Recreation has been approved, including funds to renovate a restroom at Lake Julian, updates revealed challenges impacting the Woodfin, Beaverdam Creek, and Anka Heritage Trail projects. Hurricane impacts have necessitated alignment changes for the Woodfin Greenway (Highway 251 section), requiring the county to account for additional costs and wider riparian buffers – a change championed by Parks Director Allison Daines, who emphasized the importance of these buffers in light of recent storm events. The Beaverdam Creek section remains suspended pending NCDOT approval, and discussions regarding the Anka Heritage Trail are ongoing with landowners, potentially altering the trail’s planned route. The board acknowledged these hurdles but reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward with these vital projects, recognizing the need for continued funding efforts.

Beyond Greenway updates, the board received positive news regarding grant funding – a $10,700 award from the North Carolina Amateur Sports will provide a new mountain bike fleet for park users. Discussions also highlighted successful community partnerships with organizations like Woodfin, the Asheville Housing Authority, and Friends of Grovemont Park. New programs such as the 55+ Club are gaining traction, demonstrating a commitment to expanding recreational opportunities for all residents. Currently, only four parks – Carpenter Fields, Owen Park, Alexander and Walnut - remain closed due to hurricane recovery efforts.

The meeting included a brief period for public comments, with one board member raising concerns about the potential impact of the Orchard Street container orchard project on a nearby pop-up market. Another board member shared insights from the participatory design process for James Vester Miller Park, a smaller park within their neighborhood. Minutes from the May 13th meeting were approved without issue, and Lena, a departing board member, was thanked for her valuable contributions.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. Parks Director Daines will provide detailed budget information for Greenway projects to the board, while Project Manager Joseph Guzman will continue overseeing park recovery and project implementation, including the Orchard Street orchard initiative. The Parks Department is actively interviewing candidates for open positions – a Principal Park Planner and Parks Facility Supervisor – to bolster their team. Board members are encouraged to attend the July 15th Board of Commissioners meeting to show support for Parks & Recreation Month and participate in a fall retreat designed to enhance the advisory board's role within the community. The next full meeting is scheduled for September 9th at the Recreation Service Office (46 Valley Street).

This meeting underscored the Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Department's dedication to resilience, community engagement, and providing accessible recreational opportunities for all. Residents can expect continued progress on Greenway projects, expanded programming options, and a focus on rebuilding and enhancing our parks in the wake of recent challenges.