Celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day by Visiting Buncombe County Recreational Facilities

One of the secrets to achieving health is not so secret after all. There is a growing body of evidence that shows how parks and recreation support health and wellness, illustrating how those living close to parks and other recreation infrastructures have higher physical activity levels and how being connected to nature improves mental health.

This information is particularly important since chronic diseases are among the top causes of death for Buncombe County residents, according to the County’s 2021 Health Assessment.

“…when data is disaggregated by race, there are clear disparities in health outcomes for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latin/Latinx residents experiencing cancer, cerebrovascular disease (commonly known as a stroke), kidney disease, and diabetes,” the assessment states.

Buncombe County is lucky to be surrounded by ample nature and to have a Recreation Services department that seeks to promote healthy activity and the outdoors.

Saturday, June 10 is Family Health & Fitness Day, a time to recognize the importance of local parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy and promoting well-being.

To celebrate Buncombe County Recreation Services, we encourage families to get active at one of the many County facilities, from parks to rivers to pools to soccer fields.

You can also find your park by your desired amenities on this website.

Recreation Services is hosting a Community Outreach and Recreation Experiences program this summer throughout various facilities featuring games and other fun activities. For other events, click here.

The County is also home to Passive Recreation Lands, such as Collier Cove Nature Preserve, which are nature parks that have been minimally altered and provide exercise and social outlets for residents.

If you are interested in sharing your vision of future Passive Recreation Lands in your community, fill out this online survey.