Asheville Parks & Recreation Winter & Spring Programs

The beginning of the year is a great time for Asheville residents to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation.

The new 2022 activity guide includes registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more. All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.

All programs follow current public health guidelines from Buncombe County Health and Human Services. Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or Covid-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

The winter-spring guide can be found online or at community centers across the city, and area residents can also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.

Learning opportunities for youth & adults

Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.

Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.

Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw afterparties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.

Adult learning classes, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.

Health & Fitness

Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.

Glow-in-the-dark sports: basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.

The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.

Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.

Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.

Summer Camp coming

Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7, 2022. These spots go fast, so mark your calendar!

Other activities

Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.

Opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.

Therapeutic recreation activities include adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.

Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.

If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email [email protected] or call (828) 259-5800. Keep an eye on Asheville Parks & Recreation’s website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.