In a remarkable return to community spirit and collective effort, Jones Park in North Asheville was rebuilt in October 2023—24 years after it was first constructed in 1999. Once a beloved wooden playground nestled beneath Ira B. Jones Elementary School, the park had fallen into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 2021 due to safety concerns. But thanks to hundreds of volunteers and tireless community leadership, the park has risen once again—this time with a new name and a deeper purpose: Candace Pickens Memorial Park.
A Community Legacy Revisited
The original Jones Park was built in 1999 by over 500 volunteers in just five days. Coordinated by Susan Roderick, former director of Asheville GreenWorks (then known as Quality Forward), the effort brought together families, civic groups, and students who poured their energy into crafting a wooden playground that would serve generations.
“It brought in everybody,” Roderick recalled. “They were building it for everybody.”
The park quickly became a cherished neighborhood space—more than just a school playground, it was a community asset. Volunteers like Mike Lewis and Tom Knoebber remembered the late nights, early mornings, and emotional final moments when children sprinted into the completed park with pure joy.
A Sudden Loss, and a Pledge to Rebuild
In September 2021, the original structure was torn down following a failed safety inspection. The sudden removal shocked local families, many of whom had relied on the playground as a daily gathering place. The demolition marked a turning point—and a call to action.
The park’s namesake, Candace Pickens, was tragically murdered near the site in 2016. Her mother, Keesha Martinez, along with community members, advocated for the new playground to be named in Candace’s honor. It was a space where she had once played with her own children, and where her memory now lives on.
Political Roadblocks and Community Persistence
Though the intention to rebuild was widely supported, navigating the politics of land ownership and liability created delays. Asheville City Schools (ACS), which owns the land, initially backed out of its promise to rebuild. It was only after local resident David Rodgers raised over $300,000 in private donations that momentum returned.
Securing cooperation between ACS, Buncombe County, and the City of Asheville took time. In September 2022, Asheville City Council approved an interlocal agreement: ACS would hold the funds, the county would manage construction, and the city would maintain the park for at least 20 years.
You can read the original reporting on this community effort in the Citizen Times article.
Rebuilding Together – Again
In October 2023, history repeated itself. More than 500 volunteers came together for a second five-day community build, guided once again by Playgrounds by Leathers, the same design firm behind the original park. The updated design retained the charm of the original structure, with modern safety improvements and composite materials instead of wood.
The new park includes:
- Multiple play structures for different age groups
- Swings, slides, and a small play airplane as a nod to the past
- ADA-compliant features for accessibility
- Thoughtful design elements honoring Candace, including the color yellow, a dove, and a photo of Candace and her son
Local artist and Candace’s aunt, Jenny Pickens, led the design of these memorial features. “It’s not only a memorial for Candace and her son,” she said, “but it’s families coming together.”
Funded by the People, For the People
The entire project was funded by private donations—no tax dollars were used. Asheville City Schools Foundation accepted donations, which helped cover not only the cost of materials and design (about $345,000) but also the costs of tools, lighting, tents, and meals for volunteers.
The rebuild reminded many of how Jones Park has always symbolized community unity and resilience. From the very beginning, it wasn’t just a playground—it was a reflection of what people can do when they come together around a shared purpose.
A New Chapter for North Asheville
For local parents like Betsy Bramley, the park’s return means more than just a place to play. It’s where her children grew up, where friendships were made, and where community took root. The absence of the park was deeply felt, and its rebirth marks a return of vibrancy and connection.
“It was such a big asset to the community here,” she said. “We’re excited to have it back.”
Looking Ahead
Now fully rebuilt, Candace Pickens Memorial Park stands as both a tribute and a promise—to remember a life lost too soon and to continue building safe, joyful spaces for all children.
The story of Jones Park is not just about playgrounds. It’s about people—about memory, legacy, and what’s possible when a neighborhood refuses to give up on itself.
To learn more about the park’s meaning visit on our website here.
