Asheville Parks Update: 10-18-2024

Azalea Park after the storm — Azalea Park is closed until further notice due to effects of Hurricane Helene.

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 [email protected] 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