Happening Now

Site grading and paving has been completed with retaining wall, curbs, fencing, and parking spaces installed. In the coming weeks, the City of Asheville will add landscaping improvements including tree plantings, trash receptacles, signage, site furnishings, and the rink itself. Duke Energy will add more lighting for safety.

The temporary skating rink is expected to open in early 2027, with the possibility of an earlier launch. It is anticipated that the facility will remain open for up to five years until a permanent rink is completed as part of the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery project.

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.

Future use of the site includes housing and services for residents and transit riders as part of the ART Place project.