The Waynesville Town Council unanimously adopted the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive System Plan on August 25, 2026. For the next 10 years, the plan will guide how the Town improves and invests in its parks, greenways, recreation centers, and programs.
More than 500 residents and visitors helped shape the plan through a community survey, two public open houses, and a steering committee. The plan reviews every park and facility the Town operates and sets five goals. For each action it recommends, it gives a cost level, a time frame, and the department responsible.
Waynesville will continue to be a leader in parks and recreation in Western North Carolina, providing parks, trails, greenways, facilities, and programs for residents of all ages and abilities. Recognizing the value that Town leadership and the community place on parks and recreation, Waynesville is committed to caring for and improving its existing assets, exploring new opportunities, and fostering partnerships with public and private organizations to ensure accessible, high-quality recreational experiences for everyone.
Waynesville Parks & Recreation, together with the Town of Waynesville, will work towards the Vision by accomplishing the following goals.
- Waynesville’s parks and recreation facilities adequately serve residents’ and visitors’ needs by being functional, accessible, safe, and comfortable.
- Waynesville’s facilities and programs are affordable to the public and operationally sustainable for the Town of Waynesville.
- Waynesville’s recreation offerings inspire residents and visitors to get active, stay connected, and enjoy fun opportunities for all ages.
- Events showcase Waynesville’s recreational amenities and local businesses while boosting tourism to the Town.
- Waynesville Parks & Recreation is a leader in the regional recreation network, collaborating with neighboring communities and Haywood County as necessary.
Read the Adopted Plan
The full plan includes an assessment of each park, the community survey results, and an implementation matrix that gives each recommended action a cost level and a time frame.
