Press release from City of Asheville:
Representatives from the City of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation and Capital Projects departments will present updates on the Phase II improvements to Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park at upcoming community events. Community members can view project renderings and discuss planned improvements with staff members. As defined by City Council during its March 22 meeting, the project includes a new six-lane synthetic surface track with a retaining wall in Memorial Stadium, removal of the existing restroom and concession buildings and replacement with new relocated restrooms, playground enhancements, expanded walking trails at Mountainside Park connecting to the paved parking lot, and removal of metal bleachers.
On July 16 from 1-3 p.m., staff will be at Stephens-Lee Community Center’s Community Chill and Spill (30 George Washington Carver Ave.). In addition to the opportunity to learn more about the project, the community center is hosting outdoor games, music, and ice cream at the free event.
Community members are invited to drop in at Memorial Stadium (32 Buchanan Pl.) on July 19 from 4-6 p.m. Discussing the proposed project improvements at the actual site may provide greater clarity for those who are unfamiliar with the stadium and park.
Following these in-person events, the community can view updated information on ashevillenc.gov/projects. Staff will also make a presentation to City Council during its August 23 meeting. The Phase II design process is expected to last eight months, followed by 12 months of construction to be completed in summer 2024. Estimated cost of improvements is approximately $4.4 million.
Nestled into the side of Beaucatcher Mountain, Memorial Stadium opened as a multi-use athletic and special events facility in 1925. After Asheville voters approved a $17 million bond referendum in 2016 to improve parks and recreation facilities, the City began planning for the redevelopment of Memorial Stadium and adjacent Mountainside Park, as well as the renovation of nearby Oakhurst Park. Phase I improvements were completed in spring 2022 and included replacing the field’s artificial turf and field drainage system, relocating the stormwater system, improving accessibility, and enhancing Mountainside Park’s landscaping, lighting, and walking paths.
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