Public parks are essential components of healthy communities, offering spaces for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement. In the North Asheville neighborhood of Asheville, North Carolina, Jones Park, officially known as Candace Pickens Memorial Park, serves this important role. Though modest in size, the park provides valuable outdoor space for residents and holds local historical significance. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the park’s location, history, features, and community value.
Location and Surroundings
Jones Park is located in North Asheville, a residential area known for its quiet streets, family homes, and proximity to schools and public services. The park is accessible by local roads and pedestrian sidewalks, making it easy to reach on foot, by bicycle, or by car. Its central location places it within walking distance for many nearby residents.
North Asheville is home to over 50 public green spaces and recreation areas, and Jones Park contributes to this network by providing a smaller, more intimate setting for neighborhood use. Unlike large regional parks, it serves a hyperlocal role, meeting the everyday needs of families, children, and individuals looking for nearby outdoor space.
Historical Significance and Naming
Originally known as Jones Park, the park was renamed in 2017 to honor Candace Pickens, a young mother who lost her life in a domestic violence incident. The decision to rename the park was supported by both the community and the Asheville City Council, recognizing her memory and raising awareness about violence prevention.
The park now carries a dual identity: it remains a public recreational space, while also serving as a memorial site that represents care, remembrance, and resilience. This naming also reflects a broader community effort to use public spaces for education, healing, and acknowledgment of local lives.
Park Features and Amenities
Though smaller than city parks or regional recreation centers, Jones Park is thoughtfully designed and well-maintained. It offers essential features that support casual use, particularly for families with young children.
Main Amenities:
- Playground Equipment: The park includes play structures designed for children ages 2–12. Equipment is modern, safe, and placed on soft, impact-absorbing surfaces.
- Walking Paths: A paved loop allows for walking, strolling, or light exercise. It is ADA-accessible, allowing access for wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors with limited mobility.
- Open Lawn Area: There is a grass field suitable for informal play, picnicking, or relaxing on a blanket.
- Benches and Seating: Strategically placed benches offer rest spots and views of the playground.
- Shaded Areas: Trees and partial canopy coverage provide relief from the sun, especially in summer.
While the park does not include athletic courts, large event spaces, or restrooms, it effectively serves the needs of the immediate neighborhood by offering safe and well-kept recreational infrastructure.
Rules and Maintenance
Jones Park is managed by the City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department, which ensures regular maintenance and cleanliness. City staff inspect playground equipment, mow lawns, empty trash bins, and make seasonal improvements as needed.
The park follows city-wide park regulations, including:
- Open during daylight hours only
- No smoking or alcohol consumption
- Pets must be on a leash
- Littering is prohibited
- Commercial activities require permits
These guidelines are clearly posted at park entrances and are designed to keep the space safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all users.
Safety and Accessibility
As with all Asheville parks, safety and accessibility are priorities. The playground equipment meets national safety standards and is maintained regularly. The walking path is level and wide, designed to be navigable for users with mobility aids or strollers.
Jones Park is a low-traffic space with open visibility, making it easier for caregivers to supervise children. Its modest size also enhances safety by eliminating hidden corners and promoting a clear line of sight throughout the park.
Community Use and Local Value
Jones Park functions as a neighborhood park, meaning its primary users are people who live nearby. Residents visit the park for short walks, playtime with children, or quiet time outdoors. The park’s atmosphere is peaceful, with limited noise or congestion, even during peak hours.
In addition to daily use, the park is occasionally used for small community gatherings or remembrance events. It offers a space where local families can connect casually or through organized activities. Though it does not have a dedicated event shelter, the open lawn can accommodate small group meetups or educational programs.
Environmental Benefits
Even small parks contribute to the urban environment. Trees and vegetation at Jones Park help lower air temperatures during the summer, improve air quality, and offer habitats for local birds and insects. The grass and soil help absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and erosion, particularly important in urban settings with significant paved surfaces.
By encouraging walking, playing, and time outdoors, the park supports physical health and mental well-being for residents of all ages.
Conclusion
Jones Park (Candace Pickens Memorial Park) is a well-loved neighborhood park in North Asheville that plays an important role in the daily lives of local residents. It offers a safe, clean, and accessible space for children to play, adults to relax, and neighbors to connect. Its naming also reflects a deeper story—one that honors a community member and brings awareness to important social issues.
Though simple in design, the park’s contribution to the well-being of its community is significant. As North Asheville continues to grow and evolve, parks like Jones Park will remain essential for maintaining livability, green space, and a sense of local identity.
