Take a seat for Park Bench Chats

Hosted by Asheville Parks and Recreation, these casual chats with Director D. Tyrell McGirt are a way to keep the Recreate Asheville conversation going.

A park bench in the sun at Martin Luther King Jr Park in Asheville

If you can’t make the July chat, mark your calendar for October, January, and April.

Photo by AVLtoday

In late June, Asheville Parks and Recreation (APR) released the Recreate Asheville draft plan with a last request for feedback before a final presentation to the Asheville City Council in August. And although this 10-year parks plan is nearing the finish line, we’re not out of the woods yet. And APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt is keeping the conversation going with Park Bench Chats.

Park Bench Chats are a chance for residents to share their ideas and opinions with McGirt during one-on-one or small group conversations. You can sign up for a 20-minute time slot (or just drop in) to let the director know what you want to see on the local parks landscape.

The first event will take place on Tuesday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Recreation Park offices. Signing up is the safest way to go, but drop ins will be fit in, if there’s time.

More from AVLtoday
Make the most of the season without pulling out your wallet.
Join the cleanups, crafting, parties, and promotions happening in honor of the world around us.
Lend an ear to four Record Store Day releases from over the years, pressed here in Asheville at Citizen Vinyl.
It’s time to dust off the checkered picnic basket + blanket and take advantage of the fresh air.
After more than 100 seasons as McCormick Field, the ballpark is now dubbed HomeTrust Park, marking a partnership between Asheville’s minor league team and its largest financial institution.
Land bridges have become an increasingly popular tool to facilitate safe passage for wildlife, and the state’s first will be completed by the end of the year in Robbinsville.
The City of Asheville and Thrive Asheville are partnering to identify what worked well as neighbors responded to Helene — share your stories at the April 18 event.
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore Asheville and support local businesses at the same time.
The group behind Gan Shan, Jettie Rae’s, and Vinnie’s is setting out to capture the magic of NY’s Mott Street with its fourth concept, The Majestic.