Press release from the city of Asheville
Asheville City government offices will be closed Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here is a look at City services affected by this holiday.
Trash and recycling
Though city offices will be closed, Sanitation Services will run on schedule. Residential trash and recycling will be collected as normal on Jan. 17. The City’s Sanitation Services office will be closed Jan. 17 but residents who need assistance can call the city’s customer service line at 828-251-1122.
ART bus service
ART bus service routes and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule, which is the same as the Sunday schedule. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of six days ART runs on a reduced holiday schedule. For more route information or service alerts, visit RidetheART.com.
Parks & Recreation
City Parks & Recreation administration offices and all community centers will be closed. Some venues are offering special opportunities to observe the day (noted below). Parks, greenways, Asheville Municipal Golf Course, Riverside Cemetery, and the WNC Nature Center are open regular hours.
- MLK Jr. Day of Service in Burton Street Community, noon-2 p.m.: Projects include neighborhood trash pickup, art projects, home repair and weatherization, and projects at Burton Street Peace Gardens, The Vine, Martha Jane’s, and Smith Mill Creek. Dress in work clothes and park at Burton Street Community Center. Gloves, supplies, and tools provided. Free lunch and refreshments to follow. Register (not required) at AVLrec.com or 828-254-1942.
- Fun Day Out, January 17 and 18 from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.: Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can enjoy games, crafts, and special events for $5/child/day. Must bring lunch and drink. Register at AVLrec.com or call individual locations.
– Asheville City Schools students at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside and Tempie Avery Montford Community Centers and Lucy S. Herring Elementary School
– Buncombe County Schools students at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center- Teen Day Out, January 17 and 18 from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.: Sixth- to tenth-graders can participate in a Day of Service throughout the community on January 17 (free) and off-site bowling ($10/person) among other activities on January 18 at Stephens-Lee Community Center. Advance registration required at AVLrec.com or 828-350-2058. Space is limited.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance goes virtual
Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations will be virtual in Asheville this year, due to the pandemic. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County has a calendar of events running from Jan. 15-19.
Visit MLKasheville.org for details.
Emergency response and water-related issues
Water Resources staff will be available for water-related emergencies 24 hours a day over the holiday weekend. Customers can call the customer service line at 828-251-1122 to report water related emergencies, leaks, breaks, and no water calls.
All public safety services, including police, fire and emergency response, will operate according to normal schedule — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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