Asheville’s public golf course gets a major makeover
A new and improved fairway at Asheville Municipal Golf Course. | Photo courtesy of Chris Corl
Just a few years ago, the Asheville Municipal Golf Course was in dire straits — with “more dirt than grass on it,” according to Chris Corl, the city’s director of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities.
But thanks to new funding and leadership, the 122-acre East Asheville course is in the midst of a major transformation. A $3.5 million renovation project — largely funded by the City of Asheville and BCTDA — is repairing, restoring, and rejuvenating the historic golf course.
The project began in January, and already, much has been accomplished. Here are the highlights of the recent upgrade, plus what’s yet to come:
Cart paths: All cart paths (minus holes 10 and 11) have been repaired or are wrapping up completion.
Greens and fairways: All 18 greens have been upgraded and sod has been laid on the barest patches of the fairway. Additionally, a weather station and soil sensors have been installed to track soil health.
The clubhouse: The interior has been fully renovated with new flooring, fixtures, furniture, and an upgraded women’s restroom.
Bunkers: Ten of the sand trap fixtures have been restored and three have been rebuilt, all with improved drainage + water management.
Stormwater repairs: Construction and rehabilitation of the course’s defunct stormwater systems — which have caused sinkholes, floods, erosion, and other safety issues — will begin in October and wrap up by the end of the year.
Programs: A $6,000 grant from Walnut Cove Members Association covers new youth club sets, registration, and lessons for the juniors program. The goal is to double participation throughout the city.
Wondering what’s next for the course? The city has plans. Specifically, The Kris Spence Revitalization Master Plan (complete with this rendering).
And as of last month, there’s also a new nonprofit, Friends of Asheville Municipal Golf Course, which aims to support the course’s restoration.
Events
Tuesday, June 6
Free Sound: Arbor Labor Union & State Park Ranger | Tuesday, June 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Burial Beer Co. - South Slope Taproom, 40 Collier Ave., Asheville | Free | Jam out to free live music from Arbor Labor Union and State Park Ranger at this collaborative concert series from Burial and Static Age Records.
AVL Fun: TRIVIA: Are you smarter than a drag queen? | Tuesday, June 6 | 8-10 p.m. | Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway St., Asheville | Drag queen Nova Jynah will test your knowledge on a variety of topics including food, music, movies, television, queer history, and pop culture.
Wednesday, June 7
Reptile and Amphibian Encounters with the NC Arboretum | Wednesday, June 7 | 4-5 p.m. | Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville | Free | Learn about the many herptiles that call WNC home at this interactive workshop — registration required.
Thursday, June 8
Climate Resilient Gardening | Thursday, June 8 | 2-3:30 p.m. | West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave., Asheville | Free | Join Chris Smith of the Utopian Seed Project for tips on growing a diverse and heat tolerant garden — and take home a taro plant to grow.
Candles & Cold Beers | Thursday, June 8 | 5:30-7 p.m. | 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden | Create a one-of-a-kind candle scent (and bring home a candle) at this hands-on workshop.
Friday, June 9
Brews and Bears | Friday, June 9 | 5:30-8 p.m. | WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | $10-$20 | Watch black bears Uno and Ursa while enjoying the nature center after hours (with the option of getting an adult beverage).
Movies in the Park | Friday, June 9 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | Kick off this summer tradition with a screening of “Cruella.”
Saturday, June 10
Music on Main | Saturday, June 10 | 4-9 p.m. | Main Street Weaverville, 30 South Main St., Weaverville | Free | The free annual Music on Main concert on Main Street in Weaverville features three bands, local food + beer for sale, vendors, and a dedicated activity zone for kids.*
Leslie Reynalte-Llanco will paint the first of three walls for Buncombe County’s Creative Equity Mural Project. Reynalte-Llanco’s mural will depict 12 Latino community members with the message “Eres un Orgullo Latino,” which translates to “You are Latin Pride.”
Community
It’s time for a pollination celebration. On Thursday, June 8, stop by Black Wall Street for a social hour and silent auction to raise money for efforts that support native pollinators. Expect snacks, a chance to bid on fun local experiences, and an all-around buzzin’ time.
This fall, Jones Park Playground will be rebuilt as Candace Pickens Park. Volunteers are needed October 4-8 to complete the rebuild. The community rebuild comes 24 years after volunteers first built Jones Park Playground. See the new design. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Biz
Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery has announced plans to expand distribution of its four flagship beers into Ohio, thanks to a new partnership with Premium Beverage Supply. Currently, the local alcoholic ginger beer purveyors distribute to 700+ locations across the Carolinas.
Job
The $17-$20/Hour & Beyond Job Fair is returning to the WNC Agricultural Center on Thursday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will feature career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, construction, technology, and beyond.
Ranked
Asheville was recently ranked third on USA Today’slist of 12 US cities most likely to receive an influx of residents due to climate migration. The list was based on geographies, economies, and level of existing climate preparation. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Concert
See Roy Book Binder perform as the inaugural artist of the Trail Head Lodge Summer Concert Series at the Ebbs Chapel on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. The series promotes the value of stories, folklore history, and song with emphasis on the creativity + artistry of songwriters. Snag tix.*
Drink
Move over hard seltzer — in 2023, it’s all about high seltzer. Rebel Rabbit’s cannabis-infused seltzers (available in Mandarin Orange, Grapefruit, and Lemon Lime) are designed to maximize your relaxation without any unwanted next-day side effects. Order yours online.*
Travel
It’s time to plan that last summer hurrah for Labor Day weekend. May we suggest a coastal getaway to the Outer Banks? Or maybe your dream destination is a rustic treehouse in the Adirondack Mountains. Wanna splurge? This modern farmhouse in Napa Valley is sure to be unforgettable.*
Outdoors
Travel and Outdoors
How to plan an event in a national park
National parks may just lead you to a breathtaking view like this one at the Great Smoky Mountains. | Photo by Domenico Convertini via Flickr
If you’re planning a party — be it a family reunion, a wedding, or just because — we’ve got an idea that’s a breath of fresh air. Why not give your guests a gorgeous view by hosting an event in a national park? Follow these guidelines to make party planning a walk in the park.
Most parks require a permit for special events. Fill out the application well in advance to avoid any delays. Pro tip: Some parks grant a permit up to a year before the event.
Craving a little more adventure? A forthcoming off-road driving course, as detailed by Ashevegas, may be right up your alley. The Barnardsville attraction plans to use old logging roads to facilitate adventures through around 200 acres of mountain terrain. It could be open as soon as this summer.
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