Asheville City Council Adopts Recreate Asheville Plan
In a significant move, the Asheville City Council has unanimously adopted the ambitious Recreate Asheville Plan. Set to guide the aspirations and operations of the Asheville Parks and Recreation for the forthcoming decade, the council voted in favor of the initiative during its Tuesday meeting.
General Obligation Bonds to Support the Initiative
Coming November, voters in Asheville will have an opportunity to endorse $80 million in general obligation bonds that will appear on their ballots. An estimated $20 million from this amount is set to be allocated for parks, fields, and other facilities under the recreation umbrella. If approved, this funding will contribute significantly to the first phase of the Recreate Plan, expected to run for one to four years.
Phase One Projects
The first phase of the plan includes a variety of upgrades and redevelopment projects. Parks at Burton Street, Murray Hill, Walton Street, Recreation, Malvern Hills, and Roger Farmer are targeted for upgrades under this phase. The Linwood Crump Shiloh and Tempie Avery Montford community centers will undergo major redevelopment initiatives.
Also included in phase one’s projects are the establishment of a new park on Sweeten Creek Road, a state-of-the-art pickleball complex, and an aquatic facility. Additionally, significant maintenance across the APR system will be undertaken to ensure the sustainability of the new initiatives and reinvigorate existing assets.
Funding Allocation
Of the $20 million set aside for this phase, $9 million is allocated for the redevelopment of the afore-mentioned community centers. The remaining $11 million will help fund other planned projects.
The Full Recreate Asheville Plan
In addition to the projects launching in phase one, the Recreate Asheville Plan contains a wealth of other initiatives that will be undertaken in the mid-to-long term. These objectives include the establishment of new parks, upgrading existing parks and special use facilities. All these are geared towards developing an inclusive, accessible and efficient recreation system in Asheville.
Positive Implications for Asheville
The Recreate Asheville Plan and its initial implementation represent great news for the residents of Asheville. Countless benefits are bound to surface from these projects, including societal health, economic growth, and environmental preservation. Plans such as these will contribute to Asheville’s reputation as a city that cherishes its natural spaces, outdoor activities, and the wellbeing of its citizens, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of its operations.
This comprehensive plan invigorates Asheville’s commitment to creating an inclusive city, where every resident has equitable access to high-quality and diverse parks, recreational facilities, and programs. The Recreate Asheville plan presents a turning point in the city’s recreational infrastructure, truly envisioning a future where parks and open spaces play a pivotal role in the city’s resiliency, sustainability and quality of life.
