Park Bench Chats
Shape the Future of Asheville at Asheville Parks & Rec Park Bench Chats
Join Asheville Parks & Rec for Community Conversations in Your Neighborhood
What makes a park feel welcoming? How can greenways, playgrounds, recreation centers, and public spaces better serve the people who use them every day? Those are the kinds of questions at the heart of Asheville Parks & Rec Park Bench Chats, a series of informal community conversations designed to give residents a voice in the future of Asheville’s parks and recreation system.
Hosted by Asheville Parks & Rec, Park Bench Chats invite neighbors to meet staff where they already gather—at local parks and recreation spaces—to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape future priorities. Rather than attending a formal meeting, participants can stop by, enjoy a relaxed conversation, and provide valuable feedback about the parks, programs, and facilities that make Asheville a healthier, more connected community.
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new neighbor, a parent, a cyclist, a walker, or someone who simply enjoys spending time outdoors, Park Bench Chats offer an opportunity to help influence decisions that will impact Asheville for years to come.
What Are Park Bench Chats?
Park Bench Chats are designed to make public engagement more approachable and accessible. Instead of asking residents to attend lengthy public hearings, Asheville Parks & Rec is bringing conversations directly into neighborhoods where people already live, play, and gather.
These casual drop-in events encourage participants to share ideas about:
-
Parks and playgrounds
-
Recreation programs
-
Greenways and trails
-
Community centers
-
Outdoor amenities
-
Accessibility
-
Future recreation priorities
-
Ways to strengthen neighborhood connections
Every conversation helps Asheville Parks & Rec better understand how residents use public spaces and what improvements matter most to the community. The feedback gathered during these events helps guide planning efforts and future investments throughout Asheville’s parks and recreation system.
Why Community Input Matters
Parks are much more than places to picnic or play. They are gathering spaces where neighbors meet, families create memories, children explore nature, and communities build connections. Recreation programs improve health, encourage lifelong learning, and bring people together across generations.
Because every neighborhood has unique needs, Asheville Parks & Rec wants to hear directly from the people who use these spaces every day. Some residents may prioritize additional walking trails, while others may hope for expanded youth programming, improved accessibility, enhanced sports facilities, or more community events.
Park Bench Chats provide an opportunity for every voice to be heard. Even a brief conversation can help identify opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. By participating, residents become active partners in shaping future improvements rather than simply reacting after decisions have been made.
Community engagement has long been an important part of Asheville’s planning process, and Park Bench Chats continue that tradition by creating welcoming opportunities for meaningful dialogue.
A Relaxed Way to Connect with Asheville Parks & Rec
One of the strengths of Park Bench Chats is their informal atmosphere. There are no speeches, presentations, or pressure to stay for an extended period of time. Instead, community members can stop by when convenient, ask questions, share ideas, and enjoy conversations with Asheville Parks & Rec staff.
This approachable format encourages participation from people who may not typically attend traditional public meetings. Families can stop by while visiting a playground. Walkers can join the conversation during an afternoon stroll. Neighbors can share observations about the parks they use most often.
These conversations help create a stronger relationship between Asheville Parks & Rec and the community it serves while making civic participation easier and more welcoming.
Helping Build the Next Generation of Parks and Recreation
As Asheville continues to grow, thoughtful planning becomes increasingly important. Parks, greenways, recreation facilities, and public gathering spaces contribute to quality of life, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood wellness.
Ideas shared during Park Bench Chats help identify priorities that can influence future planning efforts, improvements, and investments. Residents who participate become part of the ongoing conversation about creating parks and recreation opportunities that serve children, families, older adults, athletes, nature lovers, and visitors alike.
Every suggestion helps paint a more complete picture of how Asheville’s parks are being used today and how they can better serve future generations.
Everyone Is Welcome to Participate
One of the best things about Asheville Parks & Rec Park Bench Chats is that everyone is encouraged to participate. You don’t need to be an expert in parks planning or recreation. If you use Asheville’s parks—or hope to use them more in the future—your perspective matters.
Whether you have ideas for new amenities, suggestions for improving existing facilities, or simply want to learn more about Asheville Parks & Rec’s planning efforts, Park Bench Chats provide an easy way to get involved.
The conversations reflect Asheville’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and community engagement while helping ensure that public spaces continue to reflect the needs and values of the people who enjoy them.
Make Your Voice Part of Asheville’s Future
Strong communities are built when residents have opportunities to participate in decisions that shape their neighborhoods. Asheville Parks & Rec Park Bench Chats offer exactly that opportunity in a welcoming, informal setting.
Bring your ideas, your questions, and your passion for Asheville’s parks. Whether you stay for a few minutes or a longer conversation, your feedback can help guide future improvements that benefit the entire community.
For dates, locations, and additional information about upcoming Park Bench Chats, visit the official City of Asheville announcement:
Upcoming Dates & How to Connect
Secure your 20-minute slot up to 45 days before each event via this link: https://calendar.app.google/oWihJ7fDQsbJ6wai6.
Walk-ins may be accommodated if time permits.
Spanish translation or ASL interpreters available upon advance notice.
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (3-6pm) at West Asheville Park on 198 Vermont Ave.
- Thursday, November 5, 2026 (11am-2pm) at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
- Tuesday, February 9, 2027 (3-6pm) at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center and Park on 121 Shiloh Rd.
- Wednesday, May 19, 2027 (11am-2pm) at Murphy-Oakley Community Center and Park on 749 Fairview Rd.
