Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan
To guide the future of our parks, greenways, and related services, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is in the midst of the Systemwide Parks & Recreation planning process. The results of this planning effort will include Buncombe County's first Parks & Recreation Master Plan, an updated Greenways & Trails Plan (which was last revised in 2012), and Buncombe County's first Open Space Plan. This integrated planning approach will ensure a comprehensive roadmap for our community’s parks, recreational facilities and activities, greenways, and open spaces.
The development process for this plan was interrupted by the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, and our team has been focused on restoring parks that were damaged by the storm. Alongside partners like FEMA, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and USACE contractors, the Parks & Recreation team has conducted detailed damage assessments, removed thousands of pounds of debris and countless down trees, repaired structures, and revived damaged environments. We have been able to reopen 11 of 15 County parks, but there is still much work to be done.
Because of the storm’s devastating impact on many of our green spaces, an additional phase of the Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan effort was added to update critical park data and inventories and gather additional public input.
The Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan for Buncombe County consists of three parts: the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the Greenways & Trails Master Plan, and the Open Space Plan. All three individual master plans are included in this effort and will collectively inform and serve as the basis of recommendations for the Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Whether your family enjoys sports, hiking, or simply being outdoors, we want our parks to meet your needs. Don’t miss your chance to influence the future of Buncombe County’s parks, greenways & trails, and open spaces.
Community Involvement and Feedback
This massive project drives the vision and strategies for developing recreational opportunities in our area. Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains underscores this purpose by saying, “The comprehensive Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan is essential for guiding the development and management of our parks and recreation facilities and programs. It ensures that we meet the diverse needs of our community, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents.”
Soccer players at Buncombe County's Sports Park.
*Canceled* Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan Community Visioning Session
Planning Process
The Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan process is typically a 12-16-month process. Buncombe County’s planning process was impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. An additional phase of the planning effort was added to update critical park data and inventories and to gather additional public input. The project’s modified four phases are:
Phase 1 – Data Collection (July 2023-March 2024) Sets guiding documents, analyzes community demographics, and evaluates the current programming and parks, recreation, greenways, trails, and open spaces system.
Phase 2 – Needs and Priorities Assessment (March-Sept. 2024): Establishes community needs and priorities for the County’s parks, recreation, greenways, trails, and open spaces system in relation to community input and best practices. This phase of the project was delayed due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
Phase 2B – Updated Needs and Priorities Assessment (May-Sept. 2025): Updates park inventories and organizes additional public engagement input post-Helene.
Phases 3 and 4 – Long-Range Vision and Strategic Plan (Oct. 2025-Feb. 2026): Focuses on the development of a long-range vision for the County’s parks, recreation, greenway, trails, and open spaces system in relation to community needs and resiliency goals. This step includes the development of a plan that outlines a roadmap for future action items through a phased implementation approach, cost estimates, and other recommendations.
Plan Adoption (Feb. 2026): The final drafts of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, updated Greenway and Trails Master Plan, and an Open Space Plan will be posted online for public review and comment before being presented to the County’s Board of Commissioners.
Fishing is very popular at Buncombe County's Lake Julian Park.
Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan Overview Video
Plan Maestro de Parques y Recreación para todo el sistema
Open Space
Learn more about Open Space projects by clicking on the image below.
Boards and Commissions
There are two boards that contribute to Parks and Recreation goals in Buncombe County including the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Passive Recreation Lands Subcommittee. Click on the images below to learn more about the work of each board.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Passive Recreation Lands Subcommittee