ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – After years of dilapidation, followed by years of repairs, Asheville welcomed the return of one of her most historic parks. Sat above McCormick Field, it was only right that while the Tourists got their upgrades, so too did Memorial Stadium.
Surrounded by more than 100 locals and around a dozen fitness related booths, City of Asheville officials gathered with constituents from 5 – 7 p.m. on April 15, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. The nearly 100-year-old facility was re-memorialized as a hub for city recreation and sporting.
Spectators made a field day with the event, playing all manner of sports across the lawn. On one end, Asheville Parks and Recreation’s raccoon mascot played pickleball with children. On the other end, gym equipment allowed adults to prove their skills. Football goals towered overhead and soccer goals eagerly anticipated the return of athletes.
A DJ laid down the base track for the afternoon and the “Tip Tap Tappers” tap dancing sextet performed Elvis’ classic hit “Jailhouse Rock.” Even Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley got in on the action, hoping in a group dancing to “Wobble” before the ribbon cutting ceremony commenced.
Along with the Vice Mayor, City Councilman Bo Hess attended the event, so did Parks and Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt. Members of the Asheville Police and Fire departments were also present, smiling as they mingled with the crowd. How they communicated with one another is a mystery. The winds that afternoon were so immense that wearing wind breakers felt no different than a tank top. Nothing could nullify the bone-chilling breeze.
Mosley joined a cohort of citizens to cut the ribbon at 6:30 p.m., signaling to city residents the park is operational once more.
Memorial Field was refurbished with a General Obligation (GO) bond. City residents approved $6.7 million in repairs some years ago. Despite the effects of Helene, Memorial Field looks better than ever with a revived sense of purpose.
Improvements to the field were both obvious and hidden. To the naked eye, one could inspect the new fake turf, which was far more lush than the neighboring shrubbery, or the blueberry blue racetrack that encircled the field, matching the Tourists stadium below. Less apparent additions included drainage systems, energy efficient lighting and new restrooms.
Memorial Park, and its neighbor Mountainside Park, are now beautified and reopen for business, beckoning the citizenry to return for the joys of sporting communally.
