Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey

Sow the seeds, shape the space: help us create the roadmap for Buncombe County recreational future. As part of the Buncombe County Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, County staff and their consultant team are seeking input as the County begins to identify park, recreation facility, greenway and trail, and open space needs and opportunities.

This voluntary survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your responses will be helpful for the planning team to learn about your preferences and usage as well as needs and priorities. We greatly appreciate your time and efforts to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County. Be sure to finish all questions as each is important to hearing your input.

Learn more about Buncombe County Parks and Recreation here.

Generally, what frequency do you visit Buncombe County parks?

Once a year

A few times a year

Once a month

A few times a month

Weekly

Multiple times a week

I do not typically visit Buncombe County parks

Closed to responses

How do you typically like to visit Buncombe County parks? (select all that apply)

Individually/Alone

With family

With my dog(s) or support animal(s)

With friends or others

I typically do not visit Buncombe County parks

Closed to responses

How would you rate the overall quality of Buncombe County's parks and recreation facilities you have visited in the last 12 months?

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Not sure

I have not visited Buncombe County parks in the last 12 months.

Closed to responses

Have you or members of your household participated in an event or recreation program (sports, recreation, educational, etc.) offered by Buncombe County during the last 12 months?

Yes

Not sure

Closed to responses

Approximately how many different events or programs offered by Buncombe County have you or members of your household participated in over the past 12 months?

1 program or event

2-3 programs or events

4-7 programs or events

7-12 programs or events

13+ programs or events

I and/or members of my household do not participate in Buncombe County events or programs.

Closed to responses

What days and times do you most frequently participate or visit Buncombe County parks? (Select all that apply)

Weekday morning

Weekday daytime

Weekday evening

Weekend morning

Weekend daytime

Weekend evening

Closed to responses

Do you feel there is sufficient parks and/or publicly accessible open space within walking or biking distance of your residence?

Yes

Not sure

Closed to responses

How would you define 'walking distance'?

1/8 mile or 2–3-minute walk

1/4 mile or 5-minute walk

1/2 mile or 10-minute walk

1 mile or 20-minute walk

1-1/2 miles or 30-minute walk

Greater than 1-1/2 miles or a 30-minute walk

Closed to responses

Select ALL reasons that prevent you or other members of your household from visiting parks, trails, open space, or participating in recreation programs or events in Buncombe County?

Park, trail, open space, or facilities are too far from residence.

Lack of restrooms.

Trails have gaps or do not connect to destinations needed

Lack of sidewalk access.

I do not have time to visit parks, trails, or open space, or participate.

Security is insufficient/loitering.

I do not know what is offered.

Program or facility is not offered.

Lack of accessibility or parking.

Use private facilities.

Lack of public transportation.

I do not know location of parks, trails, open spaces, or facilities

Parks, trails, or facilities are not well maintained.

Operating hours are not convenient.

Physical health limitations.

Poor customer service by staff.

Lack of lighting.

Other

Closed to responses

Parks & Recreation

What are your five (5) most important amenities you desire in a park?

Paved Trails (hiking or biking)

Unpaved trails (hiking)

Nature enjoyment or observation areas

Multipurpose fields (soccer, football, lacrosse, etc.)

Baseball/softball fields (adult or youth)

Pickleball courts

Tennis courts

Basketball courts

Beach volleyball

Community gardens

Stage or amphitheater

Restrooms

Dog park

Outdoor event space (family movie night, etc.)

Indoor community or event rental space

Fitness center

Playground (tot lot, barrier free, natural play, etc.)

Splash pad or interactive water feature

Outdoor swimming pool

Disc golf course

Pump track (bicycle)

Eating or event pavilions

Open lawn space (for yoga, events, etc.)

Mountain biking trail or course

Skatepark

Wi-Fi

Outdoor exercise stations

Closed to responses

Which of the following activities would you like to participate in? (Select all that apply)

Exercising outdoors

Outdoor eating spaces

Walking (paved trails or paths)

Visiting/observing wildlife or birdwatching

Fishing (fly or spin)

Hiking (unpaved trails)

Biking (paved)

Kayaking, canoeing, or rowing

Sailing

Camping (tent/primitive)

Adventure recreation (mountain biking, climbing, trail running)

Skateboarding or inline skating

Disc golf

Track and field

Yoga, Pilates, or Zumba

Basketball

Tennis

Volleyball

Pickleball

Baseball/tee ball

Softball

Flag/tackle football

Soccer

Lacrosse

Golf

Inclusion programs

Special events/festivals

Day camp (summer/TWD)

Visiting dog park

Visiting playground

Swimming for fun

Water fitness or therapeutic swimming

Competition/diving/lap swimming

Learning to swim

Closed to responses

Greenway & Trails

What amenities do you desire most along greenways and trails? (select all that apply)

Parking areas/trailheads

Transit connections

Guided/volunteer tours

Rest areas/shelters

Eating Areas

Bike repair station

Bicycle/skate rental

Restrooms

Shaded seating for socializing

Educational signage

Drinking fountain/bottle filler

Pet clean-up stations

Food and beverage concessions

Wildlife observation areas

Native plantings

Charging stations

Emergency call boxes

Sign kiosks/maps

Other

Closed to responses

What improvements to greenway and trails are most important to you and your household? (select all that apply)

Build more greenways and trails.

Build more sidewalks and connectors to greenways and trails.

Build more bike lanes.

Build more mode separated trails (cyclist and pedestrian separate)

Improve overall maintenance of greenways and trails.

Improve visibility and safety (sight lines and emergency call boxes)

Improve surface of existing trails

Improve digital and print information and maps.

Improve existing street crossings.

Improve volunteering opportunities.

Add lighting.

Add more seating and/or rest stops options.

Add more user amenities such as bike repair, benches, trash receptacles, picnic tables)

Add more destinations along route such as fishing, wildlife observation, etc.)

Add restrooms.

Add more landscape (native)

Add more signage and wayfinding.

Add more public art.

Add more events or programming along greenway or trail routes.

Closed to responses

Open Space

Open Space is undeveloped – or minimally developed – land, conserved to protect natural and cultural resources, wildlife, increase quality of life, and provide public access to passive recreational activities.

How do you like to enjoy open space in Buncombe County? (select all that apply)

I enjoy the visual aesthetic of the open spaces.

I value recreation opportunities within natural open spaces.

I support preservation of agricultural and other productive open spaces.

I support conservation and protection of natural resources.

I value protecting historical and cultural resources.

I value environmental restoration of open spaces.

I support volunteering for the long-term stewardship of open spaces.

I value open space as a tourism-related asset for our community.

Closed to responses

Which actions would you most like to see implemented by Buncombe County? (select all that apply)

Target areas for open space preservation that balance rural landowners and the public.

Focus on preserving agricultural lands.

Focus on protecting lands with native wildlife and plants, forests, and historic spaces.

Focus on acquiring new lands for open space and public use.

Partner with landowners to protect rural lands with conservation easements.

Create a complete inventory of open space quality, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources.

Closed to responses

Prioritization Questions

What are the most important outcomes you would like to see from the Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan? (select all that apply)

Improve physical and mental well-being by improving existing sports facilities and creating new ones to support sports, leagues, and active recreation courts and fields.

Develop new parks and flexible facilities with the future in mind.

Improve variety, quality, and accessibility of recreation opportunities.

Expand partnerships (local, state, and federal) to improve the entire parks system.

Recognize recreation opportunities for their economic and quality of life benefits.

Prioritize recreation opportunities close to more populated areas.

Improve and expand Buncombe County park facilities and greenways.

Invest strategically when creating new recreational opportunities and developing new parks/facilities.

Preserve connected land areas to protect resources for the future.

Identify, protect, and restore open lands focusing on ecology and resource-based industries.

Incorporate natural and cultural heritage in Buncombe County parks and trails.

Increase accessibility and transportation options through a network of greenways and trails.

Highlight Buncombe County's unique rural and heritage experiences through trail development.

Closed to responses

Please use this section to share any comments or suggestions about Buncombe County parks, recreation facilities, recreation programs or special events, greenways, trails, or open space.

Closed for Comments

Which community do you live in?

Unincorporated Buncombe County

City of Asheville

Town of Woodfin

Town of Weaverville

Town of Black Mountain

Town of Montreat

Town of Biltmore Forest

Leicester

Alexander

Arden

Barnardsville

Beech

Big Ivy

Candler

Deaverview

Emma Community

Fairview

Flat Creek

Sandy Mush

Shiloh

Swannanoa

I am NOT a resident of Buncombe County

Closed to responses

What is your age?

Under 18

18-25

26-35

36-45

46-55

56-65

66-75

Over 75

Prefer not to answer

Closed to responses

Are any members of your household under the age of 18?

Yes

Closed to responses

Which of the following best describes you?

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

Other

Closed to responses

Which of the following best describes you?

Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino

Closed to responses

Are any members of your household disabled (e.g., physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional development, or some combination of these) ?

Yes

Closed to responses

Buncombe County Parks

Buncombe County Sports Park
Lake Julian
Charles D. Owen Park
Hominy Valley Park
Collier Cove Nature Preserve

River Parks

Corcoran Paige River Park
Alexander River Park
Bent Creek River Park
Glenn Bridge River Park
Hominy Creek River Park
Ledges Whitewater Park
Walnut Island River Park

Fields

Karpen Soccer Fields
North Buncombe Fields

Pools

Erwin Pool
Hominy Valley Pool
North Buncombe Pool
Owen Pool
Cane Creek Pool

County Owned Community Centers

Big Ivy Community Center
Sandy Mush Community Center
Bent Creek Community Center

Click on the image below to learn more about the Open Space Bond.

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Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey

Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey

Question title

Generally, what frequency do you visit Buncombe County parks?

Question title

How do you typically like to visit Buncombe County parks? (select all that apply)

Question title

How would you rate the overall quality of Buncombe County's parks and recreation facilities you have visited in the last 12 months?

Question title

Have you or members of your household participated in an event or recreation program (sports, recreation, educational, etc.) offered by Buncombe County during the last 12 months?

Question title

Approximately how many different events or programs offered by Buncombe County have you or members of your household participated in over the past 12 months?

Question title

What days and times do you most frequently participate or visit Buncombe County parks? (Select all that apply)

Question title

Do you feel there is sufficient parks and/or publicly accessible open space within walking or biking distance of your residence?

Question title

How would you define 'walking distance'?

Question title

Select ALL reasons that prevent you or other members of your household from visiting parks, trails, open space, or participating in recreation programs or events in Buncombe County?

Parks & Recreation

Question title

What are your five (5) most important amenities you desire in a park?

Question title

Which of the following activities would you like to participate in? (Select all that apply)

Greenway & Trails

Question title

What amenities do you desire most along greenways and trails? (select all that apply)

Question title

What improvements to greenway and trails are most important to you and your household? (select all that apply)

Open Space

Question title

How do you like to enjoy open space in Buncombe County? (select all that apply)

Question title

Which actions would you most like to see implemented by Buncombe County? (select all that apply)

Prioritization Questions

Question title

What are the most important outcomes you would like to see from the Systemwide Parks and Recreation Master Plan? (select all that apply)

Question title

Please use this section to share any comments or suggestions about Buncombe County parks, recreation facilities, recreation programs or special events, greenways, trails, or open space.

Question title

Which community do you live in?

Question title

What is your age?

Question title

Are any members of your household under the age of 18?

Question title

Which of the following best describes you?

Question title

Which of the following best describes you?

Question title

Are any members of your household disabled (e.g., physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional development, or some combination of these) ?

Buncombe County Parks​

River Parks

Fields

Pools

County Owned Community Centers

Click on the image below to learn more about the Open Space Bond.

Buncombe County Parks