rendering of open air roller skating rink in front of bus transfer station

Happening Now

On June 23, City Council authorized staff to sign a contract with Bruce Allen Construction Company for construction of the temporary skating rink on 50 Asheland Avenue. Once the contract is finalized, expect to see preparations in the parking lot next to the ART transfer station with construction to follow. While a detailed timeline is not yet ready, the temporary skating rink should open in autumn depending on weather and unexpected site discoveries.

Background

Tropical Storm Helene left our community without a public skating rink, impacting everything from family skate sessions to youth hockey and recreation programs. This project provides a temporary home for those activities while a permanent public skating rink at Carrier Park is planned as part of the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery project. 

By utilizing a City of Asheville parking lot on 50 Asheland Avenue, this project creates a space where residents can once again gather, stay active, and enjoy a valued community amenity as we continue rebuilding for the future. Like temporary dog parks in Aston and Riverbend parks, this community space will remain open until a permanent skating rink is built.

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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.

APR has looked for ways to temporarily replace public recreation spaces impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, particularly if no alternatives exist in other locations within the city. Please note, the temporary rink isn’t a “pop-up” and will remain in place until a permanent rink is built.

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Determine Funding Sources

Support includes Community Development Block Grant and general capital projects funds.

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complete

Project Design

Following site selection, APR project managers created a design incorporating environmental compliance, building codes, cost estimation, available space, and other requirements.

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live

Project Construction

On June 23, City Council authorized staff to sign a contract with Bruce Allen Construction Company for construction of the temporary skating rink on 50 Asheland Avenue. Once the contract is finalized, expect to see preparations in the parking lot next to the ART transfer station with construction to follow. While a detailed timeline is not yet ready, the temporary skating rink should open in autumn depending on weather and unexpected site discoveries.

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planned

Project Completion

A temporary skating rink opens on 50 Asheland Avenue and will remain open until a permanent rink is built. Improvements to the site may also support future City of Asheville projects.

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planned

Maintenance and Operation

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

Contact Information

Al Kopf, Project Manager

Asheville Parks & Recreation

akopf@ashevillenc.gov

(828) 259-5800