Asheville, North Carolina — A staple of North Asheville’s community life, Weaver Park is entering a transformative phase. Starting July 7, 2025, the east side of the park will be temporarily closed to accommodate a series of long-awaited upgrades aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The improvements are expected to be completed by early 2026, ushering in a new era for one of Asheville’s most beloved public spaces.
A Park with Deep Community Roots
Located at 200 Murdock Avenue, Weaver Park has been a go-to destination for generations of Asheville residents. Its well-rounded amenities—ranging from playgrounds and ballfields to walking trails and tennis courts—have made it a hub for family outings, weekend sports, school trips, and leisurely strolls.
The park is especially known for its friendly atmosphere, tree-lined walking loop, and convenient connection to the Glenn’s Creek Greenway, which links several parks across the city. In recent years, Weaver Park has received several smaller enhancements, including resurfaced courts and improved lighting. Now, it’s time for a larger transformation.
What’s Closing and Why
According to the City of Asheville, the east side of Weaver Park will be closed from July 7, 2025, through early 2026. This closure is necessary to allow crews to work safely and efficiently on substantial infrastructure and recreational upgrades.
Temporarily Closed Areas:
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Baseball/softball field
- Batting cages
- Picnic shelter
- Permanent restrooms
- A portion of the walking trail loop along the Glenn’s Creek Greenway
While these areas are temporarily off-limits, the city has taken measures to minimize disruption. For example, the closure timeline was intentionally scheduled after the local Little League season to avoid interfering with youth sports programming.
Major Improvements on the Way
This isn’t just routine maintenance—it’s a comprehensive revitalization effort. Funded through the city’s Parks & Recreation capital improvement plan, these upgrades aim to bring the park in line with modern recreational standards and community expectations.
Planned Improvements Include:
- A brand-new, inclusive playground that promotes safe play for children of all abilities.
- Ballfield enhancements, including upgraded dugouts, fencing, bullpens, batting cages, and expanded visitor seating.
- Improved walking paths and realigned segments of the greenway to enhance accessibility and traffic flow.
- New picnic tables and landscaping for more comfortable and welcoming gathering spaces.
- Improved pedestrian connectivity with a new footbridge, making it easier to move between park sections.
These enhancements build on prior efforts like resurfacing the tennis and basketball courts, repaving parking lots, and installing field lighting—all part of a long-term vision to make Weaver Park a top-tier community asset.
What Remains Open
The tennis and pickleball courts on the west side of the park will remain open throughout the construction period. To maintain visitor convenience, portable restrooms have been placed near the Merrimon Avenue parking lot.
Nearby Park Alternatives During Construction
While the east side is temporarily closed, the City of Asheville encourages residents to explore other nearby parks and facilities for similar recreational opportunities.
Suggested Alternatives:
- Playgrounds: Magnolia Park, MLK Jr. Park, Stephens-Lee Center, Mountainside Park, and Tempie Avery Montford Center
- Ballfields: Montford Park, MLK Jr. Park, and Tempie Avery Montford Center
- Basketball courts: Magnolia Park, Stephens-Lee Center, and Tempie Avery
- Walking trails: Glenn’s Creek Greenway, Reed Creek Greenway, Mountainside Park, and Memorial Stadium
These alternatives ensure that community members can continue to enjoy outdoor activities while renovations are underway.
Community-Driven, Safety-Focused Design
Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt emphasized that the project is part of a broader city initiative to enhance quality of life through accessible and inclusive public spaces. “These renovations are an investment in our neighborhoods, families, and future. Weaver Park will come back stronger and better equipped to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community,” McGirt said in a recent city announcement.
Construction zones will be clearly marked and safely secured, and the city has committed to transparent updates throughout the project. While weather or supply delays could slightly impact the timeline, officials are confident that the improvements will be completed on schedule.
A Look Ahead
Once reopened, the improved east side of Weaver Park will be a reflection of what’s possible when cities invest in thoughtful, community-centered design. Visitors can expect a safer, more functional, and more enjoyable park experience—whether they’re playing ball, enjoying a family picnic, taking a stroll, or watching their kids play on state-of-the-art equipment.
This is more than a facelift—it’s a transformation that honors the park’s legacy while preparing it for the future
Learn More
City of Asheville Official News Release: Temporary Closure of East Side of Weaver Park for Improvements
