Asheville Moves to Obtain Parkland

City spent $876,000 [on parkland] in last 5 years...

"Haw Creek [a community in East Asheville] residents say they like the 'country in the city' feel of their valley. But they also say their neighborhood is losing its bucolic character as pasture and woodland give way to new subdivisions. They are now urging the city and Buncombe County to help preserve some land as a park. 'Open spaces and the opportunity to preserve them are becoming less frequent,' said Chris Pelly, president of the Haw Creek Community Association.

The situation isn't unique to the East Asheville neighborhood. With recent increases in construction around the city, residents are calling for more land preservation. One way officials have responded is to use city taxpayer dollars and other money to create parks. Since 2002, Asheville has used $876,000 from city coffers to acquire parkland. It has also received millions in donations from oraganizations and individuals, as well as state grants. Total parkland acquired by Asheville or by other entities that intend to give the land to the city for parks is 80 acres..."

-For the entire article by Joel Burgess, check out Monday's edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times, or click on the above title.