Outdoor Journal

MPAC on the horizon: A multipurpose sports facility in north Buncombe may (really) be coming soon. Organizer Randy Bassham recently announced an agreement to purchase property located at the corner of Murphy Hill Road, Old Mars Hill Highway and Interstate 26. But Bassham has less than 100 days to raise the funds to finalize the purchase agreement. He’s calling on the community to help raise money for the facility, dubbed the Multi Purpose Athletic Complex, or MPAC. (See “Outdoors: Moving Bodies,” Jan. 7 Xpress.)

The facility could house everything from soccer and cycling to martial arts and aerial acrobats, says Bassham, who has worked to get area athletic leaders on board.

For more information about the project and how to help, contact Bassham at executivedirector@ncmaysa.com, or visit the affiliate Web site at www.ncmaysa.com.

Run for the shamrock: Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, the Asheville Catholic School will host its third annual St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Run, which will include a 5K, a 10K run/walk and a 1K Fun Run. This year’s Shamrock includes an overall prize for the best Irish-themed costume. And the night before, participants can pick up their packets and take home a pasta dinner (for a $10-per-person donation).

Event proceeds will go toward updating equipment for the physical education and drama departments at the school. To register, go to www.setupevents.com (click on “Other events” and scroll down to find the Shamrock runs). Or stop by the school and pick up a brochure. The event will be staged outside the Central Avenue Professional Building in north Asheville (77 Central Ave.).

For more information, contact Angie Dorsey at 273-4853.

Send your outdoors news to outdoors@mountainx.com.

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About Margaret Williams
Editor Margaret Williams first wrote for Xpress in 1994. An Alabama native, she has lived in Western North Carolina since 1987 and completed her Masters of Liberal Arts & Sciences from UNC-Asheville in 2016. Follow me @mvwilliams

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