Some City of Asheville parks reopen following storm

Asheville -- October 18, 2024: City of Asheville Press Release:  Some City of Asheville parks reopen following storms,
parks and recreation crews working to open more

After closing three weeks ago following a series of massively destructive storms, some Asheville parks are ready to safely welcome community members back to explore, connect, and discover. As of this morning, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) crews have reopened 32 parks and continue to clear debris, examine playgrounds and other equipment, survey playing fields, and take other actions to open more locations. 

Water for drinking fountains has been shut off, but remnants may still remain in pipes. Do not drink water from any drinking fountains until the City of Asheville lifts all boil water advisories and notices.

City officials stress that if a park is listed as closed, everyone should stay away from that location. Though some spaces look safe, there may be broken equipment, sinkholes, displaced wildlife, or other “unseen” dangers. Visit ashevillenc.gov/parks for the most up-to-date list of open parks and recreation facilities.

“We realize how much these spaces mean to many people’s daily routines, but please do not go into areas that are closed and create unnecessarily unsafe situations for our staff and first responders still doing critical work to repair our city,” says APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “Our team lives in this community and has experienced loss and grief alongside hope and resilience just like so many of our neighbors. Rebuilding takes time, but Asheville is rebounding from a once-in-a-generation challenge as only we can – by showing compassion, unity, and mountain spirit.”

What’s Next?

A timeline for more in-depth assessments of the city's 58 parks and nine community centers is not yet available, but APR crews plan to work quickly to reopen additional parks that experienced minor damage. Parks with more substantial destruction are closed indefinitely, including all riverfront parks and greenways. 

Riverside Cemetery is closed except to those attending funeral services. Several large trees and other obstructions remain within the cemetery, presenting safety concerns. If a loved one is interred at Riverside, please reach out to parks@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5800 with any specific questions.

APR’s previously scheduled activities, events, programs, and rentals are canceled at this time, but the department’s team of recreation experts plan to announce pop-up activities and events including a Halloween celebration. All picnic shelter, sports field, and community center rentals are also canceled until further notice. Event producers working with the City of Asheville’s Office of Special Events should reach out to their representative with questions about previously permitted events.

APR Facilities Open as of October 18, 2024

For the most up-to-date list, visit ashevillenc.gov/parks

Albemarle Park
Asheville Skatepark
Augusta Barnett Park
Beaucatcher Overlook Park
Burton Street Community Center (outdoor space only)
Choctaw Park
Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Community Center (outdoor space only)
E.W. Grove Park
Forest Park
Grace’s Garden
Griffing Boulevard Rose Garden
Grove Street Community Center (outdoor space only)
Harvest House Community Center (outdoor space only)
Herb Watts Park
Hummingbird Park
Jake Rusher Park
Kenilworth Park
Leah Chiles Park
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center (outdoor space only)
Magnolia Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (outdoor space only)
Murray Hill Park
North Asheville Community Center (outdoor space only)
Oakhurst Park
Pack Square Park
Pritchard Park
Ray L. Kisiah Park
Sunset Park
Triangle Park
Walton Street Park
Weaver Park

APR Facilities Closed as of October 18, 2024

For the most up-to-date list, visit ashevillenc.gov/parks

Amboy Riverfront Park
Ann Patton Joyce Park
Aston Park
Azalea Park
Carrier Park
Craven Street Bridge Boating Access Area
Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park
French Broad River Greenway
French Broad River Park
Glenn’s Creek Greenway
Haw Creek Park
Hominy Creek Greenway
Jean Webb Park
John B. Lewis Soccer Complex
Malvern Hills Park
Masters Park
Meadow Park
Memorial Stadium
Montford Park
Mountainside Park
Owens-Bell Park
Pearson Bridge River Access Area
Recreation Park
Reed Creek Greenway
Richmond Hill Park
Riverbend Park
Riverside Cemetery
Roger Farmer Park
Seven Springs Park
Stephens-Lee Community Center
Swannanoa Greenway
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
West Asheville Park
Wilma Dykeman Greenway