Ways to Get Outdoors in April

“April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks go.” So are the words of author Christopher Morley. It’s hard to stay indoors when you’ve been patiently waiting for the return of warmer days and green leaves. Take nature’s cue, get outdoors and Play LOCAL this month.

Here are our “Play LOCAL” ideas for April. (If you missed it, check out March’s list.) Each month, we’ll suggest different activities. “Play LOCAL” and let us know how it turns out by tagging @BuncombeRecreation on Instagram or Facebook and using the hashtag #PlayLOCAL.

• Week #14 (April 1-7) – Bounce Into Spring! Do these words put a smile on your face? Join local families for a free festival on Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Charles D Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Buncombe County Public Libraries’ Swannanoa Branch and LEAF Community Arts are among play stations that also include slacklining, soccer skills, foam-based bow and arrow, fishing pole casting targets, basketball shoot out, disc golf, and an agility course with options for kids of all ages. Hot dogs and lemonade are available for purchase.
• Week #15 (April 8-14) – Broken TVs, computers, cell phones, batteries, cooking oil, and Styrofoam often end up in our landfills, but can be recycled. Asheville GreenWorks makes the process easy with five Hard 2 Recycle collection days around the county each year. Items on this list of accepted items can be dropped off on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville.
• Week #16 (April 15-21) – National Picnic Day technically falls on April 23, but if weather or other commitments don’t allow a midweek outing, celebrate early. Uncovered picnic tables — most with public grills — are available on a first-come basis for free at Buncombe County Sports Park, Charles D Owen Park, Collier Cove Nature Preserve, Hominy Valley, Lake Julian, and all seven riverfront parks. Covered picnic shelters are available for rent at our larger parks by calling (828) 250-4260.
• Week #17 (April 22-28) – Are you interested in joining other nature lovers for local hikes? The Sampler Hike Series is a free six-pack of popular scenic treks led by trained leaders. The first will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. until around 12:30 p.m. on Snowball Trail, just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Craggy Gardens picnic area. Enjoy a plethora of butterflies and breezes along a moderately strenuous 3-mile loop. Register here.
• Week #18 (April 29-May 5) – April is National Garden Month. Sand Hill Community Garden is volunteer-run and uses organic growing practices to promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food. Anyone in Buncombe County can join this group of friends, celebrating its ninth season. For more information, call (828) 250-4260.

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