Happening Now

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) plans to remove the existing playground beginning the week of November 17 with the new playground installed in the same location in December. Installation may be impacted by weather or other external factors.

Nearby public playgrounds include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Park on 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
• Mountainside Park on 55 Hunt Hill Place
• Search more playgrounds on the APR Park Finder hub

Background 

The City of Asheville accepted a recovery-related donation from Superior Recreational Products and MAPA Recreation through the Superior HOPES program, providing new playground equipment for Stephens-Lee Community Center at City Council's regular meeting on October 14, 2025. This tower-style playground featuring a soaring deck height, multiple slides and climbers, and a large shade topper is intended to serve as a symbol of hope, resilience, and community wellness by offering a safe, meaningful space for children and families to connect as neighbors continue to rebuild following the devastating impacts of Helene.

“We are profoundly grateful for the kindness of Superior Recreational Products and MAPA Recreation to support our commitment to long-term health and wellbeing of our community,” according to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “This generous donation is a powerful reminder of the support shown to our region by others from around the nation and serves as a symbol of resilience as we continue the hard work to rebuild following Helene’s destruction. The Stephens-Lee playground will be more than just a safe place to play; it is an essential space for our children and families to reconnect, heal, and find joy on our path to recovery.”

For more on the fascinating histories of this space, check out Park Views: Stephens-Lee Community Center.

When it opens, it will be APR’s eleventh complete playground replacement since 2019 with Burton Street Community Center’s new space opening in September and Weaver Park’s set for completion in early 2026.