Update from Buncombe County:
As of 3:18 p.m. on March 30: Mr. Fish has withdrawn from consideration, and no director announcement will be made at this time. Please disregard this announcement.
Press release from Buncombe County:
The newest director of Buncombe County’s Recreation Services is bringing a familiarity with the area along with more than 15 years of industry experience. After a comprehensive search, Bryan Fish has been named Buncombe County’s next Parks and Recreation Director. “Bryan has extensive knowledge and experience working in the Asheville-Buncombe County area as well as the Western North Carolina region,” says Assistant County Manager DK Wesley. “Additionally, he demonstrated and articulated a wide breadth of parks and recreation experience that is critical for the success of the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation System.”
The benefits of a well-rounded recreation portfolio are immeasurable. From fishing tournaments to first-in-class athletic fields, Buncombe County Recreation Services aims to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by creating accessible and equitable parks, walking trails, athletic fields, and other amenities. “It is important to have an experienced and visionary director to lead the work and navigation toward realizing an equitable and premier parks and recreation system for those who call Buncombe County home,” adds Wesley.
Fish’s most recent post was with the City of Morganton as an Assistant Parks and Recreation Director. After starting his career with the City of Asheville, he says the chance for a homecoming was too good to pass up. “Buncombe County is a wonderful place to raise a family,” Fish said. “I lived in Buncombe County for almost 13 years and am excited for the opportunity to bring my family back.” Already having some familiarity with Buncombe County will be an advantage as he looks to start building relationships with the existing workforce and networking with the community. “I want to create new recreational opportunities for as many people in the County as possible, while continuing those things that are already in place. I want to create an open environment for communication and build trust within the community,” says Fish.
Fish is slated to start as Recreation Services Director on April 25.
PLEASE build the first DEDICATED PICKLEBALL COURTS– in the area—AND HAVE No Fees…
It is discouraging to see the “Fastest growing Sport in America” lacks support in the Asheville area
except to infringe upon Tennis Courts– and those players- by dozens of pickleball players – so many days of the week-
using our nets which are not always at the correct heights– and need to be put up and taken down each day.
There may be up to 1000 players in the area- paying taxes- receiving- practically nothing– from Buncombe County or
from the City of Asheville. Thank you !