Al Kopf, a long-time member of the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team, has been making significant contributions to the community through his dedication and passion for park design and recreation programs. Kopf shared his journey with APR, mentioning, "I started working with the City of Asheville in 1985 in the Planning Department, but I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work in APR a couple of years later."His inspiration to join the team stemmed from his childhood experiences, where he actively participated in town recreation programs and explored national...
Buncombe County and the City of Asheville have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking initiative called Electrify Asheville-Buncombe, aimed at supporting the clean-energy objectives of Asheville and Buncombe County residents. The program offers assistance to locals in exploring new electric technologies, selecting certified local contractors, and accessing discounts and financing options to upgrade their homes with efficient electrified systems.The centerpiece of the Electrify Asheville-Buncombe program is the launch of a new online marketplace, LetsGoElectric.com,...
Asheville, Apr 22, 2024 - The Sustainability Department has called on residents to participate in Earth Day celebrations and activities throughout Earth Month to make a positive impact on the environment. The department highlighted various ways for individuals to get involved in creating a cleaner and greener Asheville."Earth Day is today, but if it snuck up on you there’s a whole nine days left in Earth Month to have fun with earth-focused events!" encouraged the Sustainability Department. They recommended checking out the Asheville Greenworks calendar for opportunities...
Contractors are making significant progress on the downtown bathroom project located at College Street and Rankin Avenue. According to an unnamed spokesperson, "Phase 1 is well underway with tree trimming complete, already creating a more open feel to the site." This initial phase is expected to last about 40 more days as crews focus on getting utilities such as water, sewer, and electrical needs to support the facility on site. Additionally, the first phase includes concrete flatwork and initial landscaping sitework.Teams are also collaborating with Duke Energy for the...
Mountain families should mark their calendars for the return of Movies in the Park to Pack Square Park with a showing of Wonka on Friday, May 10. According to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt, "Movies in the Park is one of the thousands of opportunities the Asheville Parks & Recreation team creates each year with the goal of bringing community members together through the unique power of shared experiences."The Movies in the Park series, produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Au Pair in America, will feature family favorites on a massive outdoor screen at...
The City of Asheville and the Public Art and Culture Commission (PACC) have announced a call for artists for a new art deco masterpiece as part of Asheville's Urban Trail. According to the announcement, the City and PACC are seeking a qualified artist or designer to reimagine Station #7, the Art Deco Masterpiece.The call for artists provides detailed information on how interested individuals can participate. As stated, "More information and the Call for Artists can be found on the City of Asheville’s Bid page under 'Other'." Those looking to apply are encouraged to visit...
The City of Asheville is actively promoting community gardening by offering free access to seeds through Seed Libraries. According to a city announcement, residents can now benefit from this initiative aimed at fostering green spaces and sustainable practices.Seed Libraries provide a variety of seeds for vegetables, flowers, and herbs, encouraging residents to engage in gardening and enjoy the process of planting and harvesting. "The City of Asheville is happy to share and support Seed Libraries for residents to access seeds for free," stated the city representative....
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County were recently recognized by the Carolina Recycling Association for their Food Scraps Drop-Off Pilot Program. The initiative, aimed at reducing waste in the Carolinas, has garnered attention for its innovation and impact."The 2024 Annual Awards seek to recognize projects that are innovative, cutting-edge, and impactful to waste reduction in the Carolinas," a spokesperson for the Carolina Recycling Association stated.The Food Scraps Drop-Off Pilot Program is a joint effort between the City of Asheville Sanitation Division, the...
The City of Asheville has announced that Public Works Director Greg Shuler will be retiring effective July 31, 2024. City Manager Debra Campbell expressed her gratitude for Shuler's contributions, stating, "In his ten years serving in the role as department director of Public Works, Greg consistently improved and greatly enhanced the operations of the department. We are grateful for his service to the department but also for the collaborative manner in which he worked to improve our entire organization."During his 16 years with the City of Asheville, Shuler has been...
The City of Asheville’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee has initiated a new monthly Volunteer Spotlight program to recognize outstanding individuals who contribute significantly to their local community.According to the announcement, nominations for exceptional neighborhood volunteers will be accepted continuously, with one volunteer being chosen each month for recognition in the Neighborhood Newsletter and various media outlets. The Committee emphasized that if a nominee is not selected in the month of their initial nomination, their nomination will still be considered...
Tameka Crudup, a dedicated member of the Asheville Parks & Recreation team, shared her journey and experiences in a recent interview. Crudup expressed her deep-rooted connection to the department, stating, "I grew up in parks and recreation, so my entire childhood was surrounded by programs, activities, and special events." She highlighted the importance of mentors and community in her upbringing, emphasizing the sense of belonging and support provided by APR.Reflecting on her career progression within the department, Crudup mentioned starting as a youth worker at the age...
The City of Asheville has announced the cancellation of the upcoming April 9, 2024 City Council Meeting. Despite the cancellation, the City Council will still proceed with a budget work session on the same day, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The work session will take place in the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.During the work session, it has been clarified that no public comment will be accepted. The decision to cancel the meeting aligns with North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.10, which mandates that this will be an in-person work session. The public can...
Asheville, North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community spirit, has a rich history intertwined with the development of its public parks and green spaces. A recent exploration into the city's past reveals the evolution of Glenn’s Creek and Reed Creek greenways, highlighting the deep-rooted partnerships and community efforts that have shaped these beloved recreational areas.The history of Asheville's greenways dates back to the early 1990s when the city embarked on its first greenways plan. These green spaces, such as Glenn’s Creek and Reed...
Asheville Parks & Recreation is gearing up for their annual Tiny Tykes Day, set to take place on Sunday, May 5 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The event promises a day of excitement and adventure for children aged 5 and under, featuring a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment. According to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director, the event aims to provide a platform for children to explore, imagine, and develop essential skills in a supportive environment.McGirt expressed, “Throughout the year, we host many toddler discovery programs in parks and at community centers...
The City of Asheville Water Resources Department has issued an urgent alert for residents in certain areas of North Asheville concerning water conservation. The advisory comes as a response to mechanical problems at the Peach Knob Pump Station, prompting the need for immediate action to prevent service disruptions.According to the Water Resources Department, residents in Sandy Estates, along Town Mountain Road from Crowning Way to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and on Webb Cove Road are urged to implement water-saving measures. The department emphasizes that taking such actions...
The Reed Creek Greenway Feasibility Study, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike, is making strides in Asheville. In partnership with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO), the City of Asheville is hosting an open house on April 11, 2024, to provide a project update."The upcoming drop-in open house scheduled for April 11th is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about the Reed Creek Greenway Feasibility Study and actively participate in the...
The City of Asheville has announced an opportunity for the community to provide input on affordable housing initiatives. Following months of engagement and research from October 2023 to February 2024, a set of recommended priorities, policy goals, and strategies have been developed to guide the city towards creating an affordable, equitable, and inclusive housing future.In a statement released, the city emphasized the importance of community feedback, stating, "Now it’s your turn to be heard. We want to get our community’s feedback." The city encourages individuals to...
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) is inviting community members to make connections and enjoy the mental and social benefits of board games and playing cards. The organization is promoting the idea of bonding over tabletop games as a way to enhance cognitive skills, reduce stress, and build relationships.The appeal of traditional games over digital devices was highlighted by APR, stating that while technology provides connectivity, it cannot fully replace the social interactions and mental stimulation that come from in-person gameplay.Many individuals have embraced the...
Asheville City Council has approved parking fee adjustments set to take effect on July 1, 2024. The decision was made following the presentation of the FY25 fee schedule during a council meeting on March 26, 2024. According to an unnamed spokesperson, the adjustments aim to address infrastructure needs while ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors.The changes include a reduction in the daily maximum rate for parking in garages from $20 to $15, as well as standardizing special event parking fees to $9 per day. Additionally, meter rates will see an...
In efforts to enhance cleanliness and safety in downtown areas, significant progress has been made in various projects. The City Council recently approved resolutions for the installation of a prefabricated restroom outside of the Rankin Avenue parking garage, along with other improvements. Regarding this, it was mentioned, "Site Work Beginning for Downtown Restroom Project."Furthermore, work is underway to enhance sidewalk and stormwater infrastructure downtown. This includes projects such as sidewalk accessibility improvements and stormwater system upgrades. As part of...