Happening Now

Roger Farmer Park has been selected as the location for Asheville's future public pickleball complex. The project team is translating the community’s vision into a design to be shared later this summer.

Funded by the voter-approved 2024 general obligation (GO) bonds, this community investment aims to promote healthy lifestyles and build stronger social connections through pickleball.

Upcoming Opportunities of Input

An initial concept is expected to be shared in July or August with in-person and online opportunities to provide additional feedback. The goal is to deliver as many courts as possible with the available space and budget, while incorporating environmental compliance and other regulations.

Thanks goes to hundreds of picklers, neighbors, and community members who completed surveys and attended info sessions for providing valuable input and sharing thoughtful comments in April and May. View feedback from events and survey here.

Roger Farmer Park

Roger Farmer Park is just off the Patton Avenue corridor and is known for its neighborhood-centric feel. It features two diamond ballfields, multi-use grass field, picnic shelter with restrooms, and a multi-use court for basketball, futsal, and skating.

The City of Asheville currently is installing a sidewalk from Patton Avenue to Johnston Elementary School on Johnston Boulevard through the east side of the park and the North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to add a multiuse path along Deaverview Road from Patton Avenue to Pisgah View Road on the west side of the park. Other nearby planned projects include Buncombe County’s future public park at Deaverview Mountain, as well as expansion of affordable housing and redevelopment at Deaverview Apartments.

For more on the history of Roger Farmer Park, visit its location page

aerial illustration of roger farmer park with locations for parking and pickleball courts

Useful Links

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Project Prioritization

City of Asheville projects are evaluated and prioritized based upon many criteria including public safety, economic growth and sustainability, affordable housing and community development, quality of life, and availability of funding sources, among others. A new pickleball complex was identified as a priority in the Recreate Asheville 10-Year Plan.

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Determine Funding Sources

Asheville voters overwhelmingly approved a general obligation (GO) bond referendum in November 2024 allocating up to $20 million for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city including a new pickleball complex.

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Community Engagement and Visioning

Community members, City of Asheville staff, and design professionals work together to define expectations and develop a realistic vision for the new pickleball complex.

Drop-in Info Sessions

Three drop-in info sessions were held on April 27 and April 28 at Roger Farmer Park, Aston Park, and Asheville Sports Club. These allowed community members to share priorities and concerns about both sites, as well as speak with designers and project team members. Complimentary transit vouchers were available to attend sessions via ART buses.

Survey

Feedback was also shared through a survey on this page from April27-May 11 with input on site preferences, travel habits, and amenities such as lighting, shade, and landscaping.

View feedback from events and survey here

Additional feedback opportunities will be announced after a design is shared.

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Project Design

Professional project managers translate community engagement and visioning into a design that incorporates environmental compliance, building codes, cost estimation, and other requirements. The goal is to reflect the community’s views in balance with feasibility.

This is the most technical phase and may include complexities such as right of way acquisition, utility relocation, and multiple levels of review, which can cause setbacks to the original timeline.

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Project Construction

Upon design approval, the City of Asheville advertises and selects a construction firm. Once the construction contract is approved by City Council, construction can begin!

City staff stay in touch with community members about what to expect throughout construction. Projects often experience delays during the construction phase due to weather, unexpected discoveries, or supply chain and labor shortages.

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Project Completion

A new pickleball complex opens in Asheville!

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Maintenance and Operation

APR executes a maintenance and operation plan to protect this new community asset for years to come.

Contact Information

Pete Wall, Assistant Director

Asheville Parks & Recreation

pwall@ashevillenc.gov

(828) 259-5800