Survey
Project Information

Pickleball Complex

Recognizing the tremendous local growth in pickleball, the City of Asheville plans to construct a pickleball complex with 8-10 courts dedicated to the sport.

Survey

Following professional site analyses, the City of Asheville has narrowed the focus to locate a new 8-10 court pickleball complex within Aston Park or Roger Farmer Park. While each park offers advantages and specific concerns, both sites are easily accessible and have areas with enough space. Additionally, both parks are identified as high investment zones in the Recreate Asheville 10-year plan.

Dedicated pickleball courts were also identified as priorities in the Recreate Asheville 10-year plan and the complex is funded by general obligation (GO) bonds for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city overwhelmingly approved by Asheville voters. The project team wants to hear from picklers, neighbors, and other park users to ensure this community investment benefits as many people as possible.

The project team is not looking for a simple vote. Instead, your feedback will help us understand priorities, concerns, and tradeoffs as we choose a location and design that best serves the full community.

This survey is open through noon on Monday, May 11. During this phase, the project team seeks input on the two locations only. Future opportunities to discuss operational details will take place following site selection.

Aston Park

One of Asheville’s oldest parks, Aston Park’s central urban proximity makes it easily accessible. While its historic role as a tennis hub keeps the west side of the park very active from April to October, the east side has been underutilized in recent years. It features a playground, paved walking paths, gazebo, disc golf course, pickleball court, and basketball goals. For more on the history of Aston Park, visit its location page.

aerial illustration of aston park with locations for parking and pickleball courts

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* What do you like most about Aston Park as a potential location for the pickleball complex?

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* What are your primary concerns locating the pickleball complex in Aston Park?

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* How do you currently use Aston Park? (Check all that apply.)

Use Tab to navigate between options, Space or Enter to select

I use Aston Park for walking, basketball, disc golf, playground, tennis, and other active recreation

I use Aston Park for connecting with friends, picnicking, reading, yoga, and other leisure recreation

I rarely use Aston Park but would if a pickleball complex was built there

I rarely use Aston Park and would still rarely use it if it had a pickleball complex

Other

Select a response

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* How do you typically travel to Aston Park? (Choose one.)

Use Tab to navigate between options, Space or Enter to select

Walk

Bike, Skateboard, or Skate

Drive

Public Transit

I do not visit Aston Park

Select a response

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, though it previously offered tennis courts. For more on the history of Roger Farmer Park, visit its location page.

The City of Asheville currently is installing a sidewalk from Patton Avenue to Johnston Elementary School on the east side of the park and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans call for a multi-use path such as a greenway or sidewalk along the west side of the park from Patton Avenue to Pisgah View Road. Projects planned nearby include Buncombe County’s future park at Deaverview Mountain, as well as Asheville Housing Authority’s redevelopment of Deaverview Apartments.

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* What do you like most about Roger Farmer Park as a potential location for the pickleball complex?

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* What are your primary concerns locating the pickleball complex in Roger Farmer Park?

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* How do you currently use Roger Farmer Park? (Check all that apply.)

Use Tab to navigate between options, Space or Enter to select

I use Roger Farmer Park for walking, basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, futsal, skating, and other active recreation

I use Roger Farmer Park for connecting with friends, picnicking, reading, yoga, and other leisure recreation

I rarely use Roger Farmer Park but would if a pickleball complex was built there

I rarely use Roger Farmer Park and would still rarely use it if it had a pickleball complex

Other

Select a response

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* How do you typically travel to Roger Farmer Park? (Choose one.)

Use Tab to navigate between options, Space or Enter to select

Walk

Bike, Skateboard, or Skates

Drive

Public Transit

I do not visit Roger Farmer Park

Select a response

Enhancements & Amenities for Either Site

Let designers know what else is required to make this project a success.

City of Asheville, NC Survey

* To ensure the pickleball complex is a benefit to everyone, which of these enhancements should be prioritized? (Select your top 3.)

Use Tab to navigate between options, Space or Enter to select

Free and Open to Everyone: Simple rules and an easy-to-use system to manage court time and make sure everyone gets a fair turn to play

Court Lighting: "Dark-sky" compliant lighting (fully shielded lights directed downward to prevent sky-glow) with push-button countdown timer switches for evening play

Shade and Seating: Pavilions, spectator benches, and shaded player lounge areas

Traffic and Safety: Pedestrian improvements, wayfinding signage, or traffic calming

Dedicated On-Site Staff: For maintenance, programming, and security presence

Buffer Landscaping: Trees or noise-reduction barriers to protect neighbors

Select a response

City of Asheville, NC Survey

Is there a specific amenity NOT listed above that would encourage you to visit the chosen park more often?

City of Asheville, NC Survey

Any other thoughts, excitement, or concerns you'd like to share?

Error: The questions marked with a red border are required.

Project Timeline

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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

Drop-in info sessions allow community members to share priorities and concerns about both sites, as well as speak with designers and project team members. Complimentary transit vouchers are available to attend sessions via ART buses. Please contact parks@ashevillenc.gov or 828-259-5800 to request one.

Monday, April 27: Roger Farmer Park on 71 Deaverview Road from 4:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, April 28: Aston Park on 300 Hilliard Avenue from 11:30am-1:30pm
Tuesday, April 28: Asheville Sports Club on 137 Coxe Avenue from 4:30-7pm featuring free open play pickleball

Survey

You can also share feedback through a short survey on this page from 4pm on April 27 through noon on May 11. The survey seeks input on site preferences, travel habits, and amenities such as lighting, shade, and landscaping.

Additional opportunities will be announced following this initial phase of community feedback.

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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

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