“Like many of you, I look back fondly on fun memories made over the summers of my life meeting new friends at summer day camps, discovering new interests by exploring the green space and waterway at my local neighborhood park, and gaining professional experience working at my community center pool.” So begins the welcome letter in Asheville Parks & Recreation ’s summer program guide from Department Director D. Tyrell McGirt. 

The free guide, available online and at all City community centers , includes listings for fitness and active living opportunities, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, outdoor recreation, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more. Community members may also download the avlREC app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com .

Note: All Asheville Parks & Recreation summer camps are sold out this year. Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

Established in 1954, the Asheville Parks & Recreatio n Department manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 8 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.

Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit  www.ashevillenc.gov/parks .

Sign up for our newsletter!