What do horse racing, NASCAR legends, and peaceful riverside picnics have in common? The answer lies in the fascinating history of Asheville’s Carrier Park. This lively place in Asheville, North Carolina, has changed a lot over time. It started as a horse racing track, became a famous NASCAR speedway, and is now a park where people come to relax and have fun. Let’s explore how this amazing change happened.
Key Takeaways
– Carrier Park in Asheville, North Carolina, has a rich history, transforming from a horse racing track to a famous NASCAR speedway, and now a popular community park.
– Edwin G. Carrier originally developed the land near the French Broad River in 1892, creating a hub for horse racing and community events.
– In the 1960s, the area became the Asheville Motor Speedway, attracting NASCAR legends and contributing to local culture.
– The speedway closed in 1999 and was purchased by RiverLink to create a public park, sparking mixed reactions from the community.
– A unique feature of Carrier Park is the “Mellowdrome,” a repurposed racetrack for biking, rollerblading, and walking.
– The park includes a memorial that preserves its racing history, connecting the past with the present.
– Carrier Park offers many activities, including mountain biking trails, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing along the French Broad River.
– The park’s evolution highlights the community’s ability to adapt and honor history while meeting modern needs.
The Birth of Carrier’s Field
In 1892, a man named Edwin G. Carrier bought some land near the French Broad River. Carrier was an important person who helped develop West Asheville. He saw something special in this empty land and decided to build a horse racing track called Carrier’s Field. Asheville Junction reports that Carrier did more than just build the track. He also helped make roads, bridges, and other fun places in the area.
Carrier’s Field quickly became a popular spot for the community. People came here not just for horse races, but also for fairs, festivals, and other fun events. The beautiful French Broad River next to the field made it a perfect place for outdoor activities. People from all over Asheville and nearby areas loved to visit Carrier’s Field, much like how visitors today enjoy the scenic beauty at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, a campground nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Marion, North Carolina.
The Roar of Engines: Asheville Motor Speedway
As time passed, people’s interests changed. In the 1960s, Carrier’s Field turned into something new and exciting. It became the Asheville Motor Speedway, a place for car racing. This small, oval track was just 1/3 of a mile long, but it became very famous in the world of NASCAR racing.
The track was not easy to drive on. It had tight turns and short straight parts, which made it challenging for racers. But that’s what made it so exciting! The loud sound of car engines and cheering crowds became normal for the area. The speedway became an important part of Asheville’s culture.
The Final Lap: Closure and Community Response
In 1999, the Asheville Motor Speedway closed down. A group called RiverLink bought the land for $1.1 million. They wanted to turn it into a public park. This decision made some people happy and others upset. Many racing fans and long-time residents didn’t want to lose the speedway. They thought it was an important part of Asheville.
The closure of the speedway made a lot of people sad. Many saw it as the end of a special time in Asheville’s history. The speedway had brought excitement and money to the area for almost 40 years. Some people tried to organize one last racing season, but it didn’t work out. The speedway closed for good, marking the end of car racing in Asheville.
A New Chapter: The Birth of Carrier Park
After the speedway closed, people started thinking about new ways to use the space. The City of Asheville worked with RiverLink to create a public park. They wanted to make a place that everyone in the community could enjoy. They also wanted to keep some parts of the old speedway to remember its history. Smoky Mountain Living talks about how RiverLink helped protect and improve the French Broad River area, including turning the speedway into Carrier Park.
One of the coolest things they did was create the “Mellowdrome.” This was a clever way to reuse the old racetrack. They turned it into a path where people could ride bikes, rollerblade, or walk. The name “Mellowdrome” is a fun play on the word “velodrome,” which is a special track for bike racing. It shows how the park changed from a place for fast car races to a place for relaxing activities.
Modern Amenities and Continuous Improvements
Since Carrier Park opened, it has kept getting better to meet the needs of Asheville’s people. In August 2024, the park’s playground got a big upgrade.
The Mellowdrome has been improved too. In 2017, they made it safer for cyclists and other users to enjoy. These improvements show that the city cares about keeping the park nice and safe for everyone who visits.
Honoring the Past: Racing Legacy Memorial
Even though Carrier Park is now a place for community fun, it hasn’t forgotten its racing history. In 2010, they built a memorial to remember the park’s racing days. This memorial has pictures and items from nearly 50 years of car racing in Asheville. It helps new generations learn about the park’s exciting past.
The memorial does more than just remind people of history. It connects the park’s past with its present. Visitors can look at the memorial and imagine the loud engines and cheering crowds that used to be here. Then they can enjoy the quiet, pretty riverside park it is now. This mix of old and new makes Carrier Park a really special place in Asheville.
Carrier Park Today: A Community Hub
Today, Carrier Park shows how Asheville can remember its past while also changing for the future. The park has become a favorite place for the community. It offers many different activities for people who live in Asheville and for visitors. There’s something for everyone at Carrier Park, from the Mellowdrome to playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields.
One of the most popular things at the park is the mountain biking trails along the French Broad River. These trails are great for both new and experienced bike riders. They can enjoy the beautiful nature while getting some exercise. The park’s location by the river also makes it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. This variety of activities makes Carrier Park a fun place for all kinds of people.
Conclusion
The story of Carrier Park shows us how places can change over time. It started as Edwin Carrier’s horse racing track and became a busy community park. This change shows how Asheville can come up with new ideas and bring people together. Carrier Park mixes its rich history with what people need today.
The park’s change from a loud NASCAR track to a quiet riverside park is more than just a change in how the land is used. It shows how people’s values have changed. It shows that cities need green spaces and that it’s important to remember history while moving forward. When people visit the Mellowdrome or look at the racing memorial, they’re not just in a park. They’re part of Asheville’s ongoing story.
Carrier Park is a great example of how communities can reimagine old spaces for new uses while still honoring the past. It’s a place where you can feel the excitement of old racing days and hear children laughing as they play. It’s a special mix that you can only find in Asheville. As the French Broad River keeps flowing beside it, Carrier Park remains an important part of the city. It’s ready to serve and inspire future generations. Why not visit Carrier Park yourself and experience this unique blend of history and modern recreation? And if you’re looking for a place to stay during your visit, consider Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, a nearby campground offering a variety of accommodations and amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was Carrier Park before it became a park?
A: Carrier Park was originally a horse racing track called Carrier’s Field and later became the Asheville Motor Speedway for car racing.
Q: Who was Edwin G. Carrier?
A: Edwin G. Carrier was a key figure in developing West Asheville and built the original horse racing track known as Carrier’s Field.
Q: What is the Mellowdrome?
A: The Mellowdrome is a path for biking, rollerblading, and walking, made from the old racetrack at Carrier Park.
Q: When did the Asheville Motor Speedway close?
A: The Asheville Motor Speedway closed in 1999.
Q: What features does Carrier Park offer today?
A: Carrier Park has mountain biking trails, picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, and areas for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Q: How does Carrier Park remember its racing history?
A: Carrier Park has a memorial with pictures and items from its car racing days to remember its history.
Q: What improvements have been made to Carrier Park?
A: Carrier Park’s playground and the Mellowdrome have been upgraded to make them safer and more environmentally friendly.