Asheville Parks and Recreation maintains 54 public parks, 6 miles of greenways, 11 community centers, a comprehensive athletic program, many facilities that provide resources for a range of activities, and numerous programs for youth, seniors and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the public parks of Asheville during your visit! Here are a few to check out:
Pack Square: Home to many festivals in downtown Asheville with green spaces, fountains and more. Read about Pack Square Park. Also downtown is Pritchard Park, home to the weekly Drum Circle.
Carrier Park (pic above) is one of Asheville's premier parks, built at a former racetrack converted to a velodrome for cycling. The infield has volleyball courts, a giant playground, a roller-hockey rink and basketball court. Also find a lawn bowling court, multi-use sports field for baseball and soccer, picnic pavilion, river overlooks and wetland interpretive trails. The French Broad River Greenway, a 2.8-mile bicycle and pedestrian paved trail, connects Carrier Park to Hominy Creek Park and French Broad River Park as it winds along the river. Address: 220 Amboy Road, Asheville (just off I-240).
French Broad River Park: This riverside park in West Asheville features a vast area of open green space with old trees, a wildflower garden, French Broad River Greenway, gazebo, picnic tables and grills, an observation deck and a small playground. The Dog Park features a large fenced-in area made for exercising and socializing your pooch! (See more pet-friendly activities in Asheville.) Near Carrier Park, connected by the greenway. Address: 580 Riverview Drive, Asheville.
Aston Park Tennis Center is one of the finest public clay court facilities in the United States. There are 12 lighted clay courts designed and constructed of the Har Tru Fast Dry clay court material. The center is open to the public. Court reservations are encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted whenever possible. Courts may be reserved no more than 7 days in advance. To reserve courts, call 828-251-4074. 336 Hilliard Avenue, Asheville.
Asheville Skatepark is 17,000 sq. ft. of skateboard excitement located at the corner of Flint and Cherry St. in downtown Asheville, across I-240 from the Civic Center. The park has three distinctive areas: beginner bowl, intermediate street course and advanced vertical bowl. Address: 50 Cherry Street North.
Montford Climbing Wall offers 12 top roped routes and plenty of bouldering to challenge all levels of climbers. A variety of classes and special group packages are available. Located at the Montford Center, 34 Pearson Dr.
Asheville Municipal Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in Western North Carolina. The 18-hole golf course designed by Hall of Fame golf architect Donald Ross opened for play in 1927. Call 828-298-1867 for tee times.
Azalea Park along the Swannanoa River in East Asheville has soccer fields, dog park, big playground and a picnic shelter. 498 Azalea Road.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: This community park near downtown pays homage to the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a life-size memorial statue set in a landscaped courtyard. It is a lighted ballfield with concessions, restrooms, a playground, picnic tables, grills and a picnic shelter. Address: 50 Martin Luther King Jr Dr.
Richmond Hill Park is Asheville's largest wooded city park. At 183 forested, hilly acres, this park connects the French Broad River and its adjoining wetland complex with the drier woods of the uplands. Its strength is its size, as this park caters to a wide variety of outdoor activities such as disc golf, mountain biking, hiking, jogging, dog walking, bird watching and just seeking serenity. The Richmond Hill Disc Golf Course is a heavily-wooded course with elevation changes in abundance. A full 18 holes are available for play. It is lengthy at 6,093 ft. and is arguably the most challenging woods course in the country. Stop at French Broad Outfitters for disc golf supplies. 280 Richmond Hill Drive.
Memorial Stadium: The stadium features a lighted football field of artificial turf with ample spectator seating and a restroom. The park entrance proudly displays Asheville's veterans' memorial. The stadium is located on Buchanan Street behind McCormick Field in central Asheville.
Beaver Lake: Take a stroll by this small lake in North Asheville at this great bird watching sanctuary. Read about Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.
Lake Julian in South Asheville is a county park. It's home to the Festival of Lights.
