Asheville Reporter

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer has officially proclaimed July as Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) Month, emphasizing the significance of parks and recreation programs to the community. Following the announcement, APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt acknowledged the department’s dedicated parks and recreation professionals, including the crucial Asset Management team responsible for maintaining the parks.

Residents are finalizing Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks, a 10-year strategic vision plan for the city’s parks and recreation opportunities. The draft plan is open for review and feedback until July 7.

Since 1985, Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July across the United States to promote building strong, vibrant communities through parks and recreation. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives officially designated July as Park and Recreation Month.

This year’s theme, "Where You Belong," celebrates park and recreation professionals' role in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering community growth. These services range from protecting open spaces to helping fight obesity and offering activities for all people.

Access to Asheville’s parks, greenways, community centers, and other public recreation areas is considered essential to the health, identity, economic prosperity, and environmental well-being of Asheville.

To discover special events and recreation programs:

- Search opportunities in the current program guide

- Explore summer boredom busters for kids and teens

- Sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter

- Follow APR on Facebook and Instagram

The proclamation states that access to parks, recreation programs, and active living experiences are fundamental rights integral to Asheville's well-being. It highlights that residents regularly use these facilities for various activities which positively impact mental and physical health by connecting people with nature and each other.

The proclamation also notes that parks increase economic prosperity by boosting property values, expanding the local tax base, attracting businesses, reducing crime rates while supporting an urban environment that integrates natural landscapes.

The forthcoming Recreate Asheville plan offers an opportunity for strategic community investments based on reliable research aimed at strengthening neighborhoods through public recreation programs. This initiative aims to transform Asheville into a hub of innovation serving as a blueprint for other communities committed to equitable outcomes.

Mayor Manheimer concluded by encouraging all residents to partake in enjoying all city parks during this designated month.