ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville will temporarily close the east side of Weaver Park starting July 7 to begin a major renovation project expected to continue into early 2026, city officials announced Tuesday.

The closure will allow for the installation of a new playground and significant upgrades to the park’s ballfield and surrounding amenities. Areas affected by the closure include the picnic shelter, restrooms, basketball court, baseball field, walking loop, playground, and batting cages.

Located in North Asheville between Murdock Avenue and Glenn’s Creek, the closure has been coordinated to avoid disrupting the North Asheville Little League season.

“This community investment will bring enhanced recreational opportunities to be enjoyed by the entire community,” said D. Tyrell McGirt, director of Asheville Parks & Recreation. “We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we complete these valuable improvements.”

Portable restrooms will be available in the Merrimon Avenue parking lot near the tennis and pickleball courts, which will remain open during construction.

Planned improvements include a new playground, picnic tables, walking path, dugouts, fencing, a bullpen, batting cages, and visitor seating. The work builds on recent upgrades at Weaver Park, such as field lighting, resurfaced courts, repaved parking areas, and accessibility enhancements, including a new pedestrian bridge and rerouted segment of the Glenn’s Creek Greenway.

Nearby park alternatives include:

Playgrounds: Magnolia Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Mountainside Park, Stephens-Lee Community Center, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

Ballfields: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Montford Park, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

Basketball courts: Magnolia Park, Stephens-Lee Community Center, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

Walking areas: Glenn’s Creek Greenway, Reed Creek Greenway, Memorial Stadium, Mountainside Park

For more information, visit ashevillenc.gov/locations or publicinput.com/weaverpark. City officials cautioned that construction timelines may shift due to weather, supply chain issues, or other unforeseen delays.