Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Kicks Off Spring at Lake Julian Park

Smoke from crackling fires and the smell of hot chocolate marked the seasonal shift at Lake Julian Park in Arden Sunday, where Buncombe County Parks and Recreation hosted a winter warm-up event designed to send the cold season packing and welcome spring.

The family-friendly gathering centered on a simple lineup of cozy activities: storytelling, s'mores, hot chocolate, and open fires. Mac Stanley, the Program Coordinator for Buncombe County Parks and Recreation, said the event serves a purpose beyond seasonal celebration, calling it important for building community among county residents.

Lake Julian Park, tucked into the Arden community just south of Asheville, provided the backdrop for what the department described as a chance to say goodbye after what seemed like a long winter. Families made up the bulk of the crowd, drawn to the park's lakeside setting for an afternoon that leaned into warmth in every sense.

The event also reflects the department's continued effort to keep county parks active and engaged following an extended period of recovery. Buncombe County Parks and Recreation has been working through repairs and restoration across multiple park sites in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with staff providing ongoing updates on projects and storm recovery progress. The winter warm-up at Lake Julian represents the programming side of that broader push to bring residents back to their parks.