ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — There’s a new playground at Carrier Park — Asheville Parks and Recreation’s ninth complete playground replacement since 2019.
Carrier Park, often cited as one of the best playgrounds in Asheville, was originally a wooden playground that opened in 2001. It required frequent repairs to maintain its safety over the past few years, city officials said in a news release.
The new playground includes a variety of slides, climbing structures, swings and play areas designed for discovery and encouraging healthy fun, the news release said. It even pays tribute to the former playground through durable, environmentally-friendly recycled plastic lumber that looks like actual wood. Unlike real wood, the long-lasting material removes the threat of splinters and nasty cuts or bruises from blunt lumber.
“With volleyball, basketball, lawn bowling, skating, biking, nature areas, French Broad River Greenway and so much more, Carrier Park is one of the most visited and treasured parks in Asheville,” APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt said in the release. “We kept that in mind as we designed the new playground in the same style with updated accessibility and safety. Mindful that shade is in high demand on sunny days, we preserved mature, leafy trees throughout the play area.”
Playgrounds at Weaver Park and Burton Street Community Center are on schedule for completion next year. Many other playgrounds that have not been fully replaced have received new equipment, enhanced safety features and accessibility upgrades, the news release said.
Creation of Carrier Park, found at 220 Amboy Road, started in 1998 when environmental nonprofit RiverLink purchased New Asheville Motor Speedway to create a park in partnership with the city of Asheville, which later acquired the property from RiverLink. According to the news release, sweat equity from volunteers during a community playground build in 2001 provided momentum to complete the first phase of the park, dedicated in 2003. That part included a volleyball court, roller hockey rink, playground, basketball court, lawn bowling and trails. The speedway’s asphalt track was incorporated as a velodrome for biking and skating. The second phase — dedicated in 2006 — included a large picnic shelter, river overlook, wetland interpretive area and more trails, the news release said.
Carrier Park playground can be found within the velodrome. Click here to learn more about the history of the park.