Haywood County Recreation & Parks

Haywood County Recreation & Parks Haywood County Recreation & Parks offers programs and activities for a broad range of interests.

🚨 DREAM SUMMER GIG ALERT: Get Paid to Play in Haywood County! 🎣🚴‍♂️🏀🌱If your current job has you staring at a screen wis...
06/08/2026

🚨 DREAM SUMMER GIG ALERT: Get Paid to Play in Haywood County! 🎣🚴‍♂️🏀🌱

If your current job has you staring at a screen wishing you were outside, we have some incredible news for you. Haywood County Recreation and Parks is hiring!

We are looking for passionate, energetic, and community-minded folks to fill four amazing part-time positions. If you love the outdoors, sports, or sharing your favorite hobbies with others, one of these spots has your name written all over it.

Oh, and did we mention the starting pay for these roles is $20.00/hour? 💰✨

Here is what we're looking for:

1️⃣ Fly-Fishing Instructor (Part-Time) 🎣
Got a passion for the river? We need an instructor to teach the public the beautiful art of fly-fishing—from tying flies to mastering the perfect cast. If you love our mountain waters and enjoy coaching others, come share your craft!

2️⃣ Mountain Biking Instructor (Part-Time) 🚴‍♂️
Love hitting the local trails? Come help us organize, execute, and manage our public biking programs! You'll be working directly with participants of all ages, helping them build confidence and skills on two wheels.

3️⃣ Basketball Coaches for Summer Camp (2 weeks)🏀
Ready to inspire the next generation of hoopers? We need high-energy coaches to lead drills, run fun sessions, and bring the hype to our upcoming youth summer basketball camps!

4️⃣ Parks Groundskeeper (Part-Time) 🌱
Want a job where you can breathe the fresh mountain air every day? Our crew needs a hand keeping our beautiful County parks, sports fields, and facilities looking top-notch. If you enjoy hands-on work, operating outdoor equipment, and keeping our community spaces pristine, this is the perfect fit.

Why join our team?
✅ Flexible, part-time hours.
✅ Great competitive pay ($20/hr).
✅ The best "office view" in Western North Carolina!

Stop spending your summer inside. Tap the link below, find the role that fits your passion, and come make a difference in our community! 🏔️🙌

🔗 Find your perfect fit and apply here: https://haywoodcountync.tylerportico.com/tess/citizen/jobs/job-list/

Would you know what to do if you had to spend an unexpected night in the woods? 🌲⛺We all hit the trail hoping to return ...
06/07/2026

Would you know what to do if you had to spend an unexpected night in the woods? 🌲⛺

We all hit the trail hoping to return exactly as planned, but our beautiful mountains can be fiercely unpredictable. If the worst-case scenario happened, would you be ready?

On Thursday, June 25th (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM), join us for a sobering, powerful, and absolutely essential workshop: Staying Alive: Hiker Survival Skills.

Led by veteran Search and Rescue trainer Steve Kuni, this intensive course focuses purely on survival—not thriving—in the wilderness. Steve will teach you the exact, real-world protocols to follow if you are ever forced to spend an unexpected night in the forest.

The Core Pillars of Survival You’ll Learn:
🎒 The Emergency Kit: Exactly what to pack (that doesn't weigh down your bag) to keep you safe.
🔥 Emergency Fire-Building: How to effectively build a life-saving fire when conditions aren't perfect.
🚨 Signaling for Help: Most importantly, how to signal for rescue so teams can find and reach you as quickly as possible.

This is a critical class for any hiker, backpacker, or trail runner who wants to be truly prepared for the unexpected.

Note: Please bring a packed lunch, as we will be working hard right through the afternoon! 🥪

Give yourself (and your loved ones) peace of mind before your next big summer hike. Spaces are limited for this intensive session, so claim your spot today!

🔗 Secure Your Spot Here: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/hikersurvival

"Knot" Your Average Thursday: Master the Lines with Steve Kuni! 🪢🎒Be honest: when you’re out on the trail and need to ti...
06/06/2026

"Knot" Your Average Thursday: Master the Lines with Steve Kuni! 🪢🎒

Be honest: when you’re out on the trail and need to tie something down, do you use a reliable wilderness knot... or do you just "tangle it until it stays" and hope for the best? 🫣

Every adventurer knows that a little bit of knowledge can be the difference between a minor trail hiccup and a major problem. That’s why on Thursday, June 18th, we are hosting a hands-on workshop designed to equip you with the essential knot-tying skills every hiker should have in their back pocket!

Why learn from Steve?
As a professional Search and Rescue trainer, Steve doesn't just teach knots—he knows exactly which ones save time, gear, and lives under real mountain pressure.

What you’ll master:
✅ The fundamentals: Overhand, half hitches, and the reliable clove hitch.
✅ Advanced lines: Crucial climbing-style knots and critical shelter-building lines.
✅ The gold standard: Knots that stay completely secure under pressure but are easy to untie when the job is done.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to refresh your wilderness skills, this class will leave you feeling confident, capable, and self-reliant on your next trek.

Spots are limited so everyone gets hands-on practice rope! Grab yours this weekend! 👇

🔗 Register Here: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/hikersknots

Your Thursday morning commute could look like THIS. 👇☁️Swap the traffic and the screens for the wide-open, emerald slope...
06/05/2026

Your Thursday morning commute could look like THIS. 👇☁️

Swap the traffic and the screens for the wide-open, emerald slopes of Max Patch! Next Thursday, June 11th (8:00 AM), we are hanging out with the birds for Summer on the Bald.

The spring rush is over, and June has officially brought the sweet, steady rhythm of the summer nesting season to the high country. Join local expert Howard as we explore these breezy, 360-degree balds and check in on the residents who have claimed Max Patch as their summer home.

Whether you're a seasoned birder trying to spot high-elevation warblers actively raising their young, or you just want to hear the morning chorus of Towhees and Indigo Buntings with a panoramic view, this is the ultimate way to spend a morning.

Spaces are limited to keep things peaceful for our feathered friends, so don't hit snooze on weekend registration!

🔗 Claim your spot on the bald: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/birding

📬 Fresh Out of the Oven: The June Newsletter is HERE! ✨Want to be the most popular planner in your friend group this mon...
06/02/2026

📬 Fresh Out of the Oven: The June Newsletter is HERE! ✨

Want to be the most popular planner in your friend group this month? We’ve got the ultimate cheat sheet for summer fun right here!

Our June Newsletter is officially live, and it is packed tighter than a camper's backpack with everything happening in Haywood County Recreation and Parks. If you want to know where we're hiking, what workshops are popping up, and how to make the most of these long, sunny days, this is your golden ticket. 🎟️☀️

Inside this month's edition:
👉 The June Calendar: A full breakdown of upcoming programs (get ready to claim your spots!).
👉 Park Highlights: Updates on your favorite local spaces and trails.
👉 Community Spotlights: Celebrating the people and partners that make our mountain home so special.

Don't rely on the grapevine—get the official scoop delivered straight to your screen. Grab a cup of coffee, click the link below, and let’s start planning your perfect June! ☕🌲

🔗 Read the June Newsletter Here: https://mailchi.mp/haywoodcountync/haywood-county-recreation-parks-newsletter-18003458

See you out on the trails! 👋


Wait... who gave June permission to get here this fast?! 🫣👀We swear it was just March, but according to the calendar, Ju...
05/29/2026

Wait... who gave June permission to get here this fast?! 🫣👀
We swear it was just March, but according to the calendar, June is officially knocking on the door—and we are NOT letting the summer slip away without some epic adventures.

If you've been waiting for the sign to finally step off the porch, get outside, and try something new... this is it.

Our June Program Lineup is officially LIVE on the website! 🥳💻 We aren't going to spill all the secrets just yet, but let’s just say your calendar is about to look very exciting. Whether you want to get your boots muddy, spot some incredible wildlife, or finally master a new skill, we’ve got you covered.

Fair warning: Our spots tend to vanish faster than a mountain mist on a hot morning, so don't hit "snooze" on this one!

👉 Head over to https://secure.rec1.com/NC/haywood-county-nc/catalog right now, browse the buffet of June options, and secure your spot before your neighbors beat you to it.

Go look! (Seriously, why are you still reading this? Click the link! 😉👇)

’tMissOut

05/28/2026

🏆 THAT’S A WRAP! Celebrating the 2026 Haywood County Senior Games & Silver Arts! 🏅🎨

Haywood County, we have a challenge for you: hit play on this video and try not to smile! 🎬✨

Our 2026 Senior Games and Silver Arts have officially come to a close, and what a spectacular season it has been! From the very first splash in the pool to the final pickleball d***s, and the breathtaking heritage masterpieces displayed in our Silver Arts showcase, our participants brought an unforgettable wave of passion, talent, and pure joy to every single event.

We are incredibly proud of every athlete and artisan who stepped up to compete, connect, and inspire us all. You prove every single day that staying active and creative has no age limit!

🙌 Powered by Our Community Champions:
An event of this scale takes a village, and we are profoundly grateful to our incredible local sponsors who stepped up to support health, wellness, and creativity in Haywood County. A massive thank you to:

Haywood Regional Medical Center (Haywood Regional Medical Center) – for keeping our athletes healthy, safe, and moving strong!

J Francis Insurance (Jennipher Francis, Licensed Sales Agent) – for always protecting and investing in our local community.

Senior Resource Center (Haywood County Senior Resource Center) – for being an invaluable lifelong partner and advocate for our seniors.

A Massive Thank You:
This entire season also wouldn't have been possible without our dedicated Senior Games Ambassadors and Volunteers. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to coordinate schedules, cheer on participants, and make sure this was our best year yet! 🤝❤️

Our Ruth Elson put together this slideshow of some of our favorite moments, and we want the entire county to see the amazing spirit of our local legends. Take a look, leave a comment to congratulate our participants, and smash that share button!

Thank you, Haywood County, for an unforgettable season. Here's to next year! 🥂🎖️

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT! Learn Mountain Survival & Woodcraft with an Expert! 🌲🪢The countdown is on, Haywood County! This Thursd...
05/26/2026

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT! Learn Mountain Survival & Woodcraft with an Expert! 🌲🪢

The countdown is on, Haywood County! This Thursday, May 28th (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM), we are heading to Allens Creek Park for our hands-on Pioneering workshop, and you still have a chance to grab a seat!

If you've ever wanted to move past the "tangle it until it stays" method with outdoor gear, this is your moment.

We are incredibly lucky to have Steve Kuni leading this session. With his extensive background as a professional Search and Rescue trainer, Steve has spent years mastering and teaching top-tier survival and mountain woodcraft skills. He is a wealth of local knowledge, and he’s going to show us the essential knots and lashings that turn a piece of rope and a few branches into functional camp tools, emergency shelters, and gear repairs.

🤲Hands-On Practice: A small group setting means you actually get to practice every knot until you get it right.

🧠Confidence on the Trail: Learn the skills that give you peace of mind whenever you step into the woods.

💰An Absolute Steal: Two hours of professional search-and-rescue level training for only $10!

Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a camper, or just love traditional heritage arts, Steve’s class is the ultimate morning in the park.

Registration closes tomorrow! Let’s fill those last few chairs and show Steve what an outdoorsy community we are. 🪵🛠️

🔗 Secure your spot here: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/Pioneering

If the valley heat is already getting to you, we have the perfect morning escape!Next Thursday, we are heading up to nea...
05/18/2026

If the valley heat is already getting to you, we have the perfect morning escape!

Next Thursday, we are heading up to nearly 6,000 feet for a birding expedition at Sam K**b. Up there, the world completely changes—the stunted spruce-fir forests and shimmering alder thickets create a rare sub-alpine sanctuary that feels more like the Canadian North than the Southern Appalachians.

We are incredibly lucky to have Howard guiding us through this dramatic landscape during the height of the breeding season. This is your chance to disconnect from the noise and tune into the music of the high country.

This isn’t just a birding walk; it’s an immersion into a fragile and beautiful ecosystem where the wind, the mist, and the wings of rare mountain residents tell a story of survival and beauty.
Spaces are limited to keep the group quiet and bird-friendly! Grab your spot on our website today and come spend a morning in the clouds with us.

🔗 Register Here: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/birding

**bBirding

Have you ever wanted to step into a landscape that feels more like the Canadian North than North Carolina? 🇨🇦🏔️Join us n...
05/14/2026

Have you ever wanted to step into a landscape that feels more like the Canadian North than North Carolina? 🇨🇦🏔️

Join us next Thursday, May 21st, for a truly special birding expedition to the sub-alpine sanctuary of Sam K**b. At nearly 6,000 feet, we’ll be exploring a dramatic world of stunted spruce-fir forests and shimmering alder thickets—home to rare mountain residents you simply won't find in the valleys below!

We are thrilled to have Howard leading us through this breathtaking landscape during the height of the breeding season. It’s going to be a morning for the senses as we:

🎶 Listen for the ethereal, flute-like song of the Hermit Thrush echoing through the balsams.

🕊️ Spot the "Snowbird" of the south—the Dark-eyed Junco—flitting through the mountain grasses.

🔭 Search for the elusive Alder Flycatcher, a high-country specialist that thrives in these unique wetlands.

This isn’t just a birding walk; it’s an immersion into a beautiful ecosystem where the wind, the mist, and the wings of rare birds tell a story of survival and beauty. 🌬️✨

📅 Date: Thursday, May 21st, 2026

🕣 Time: 8:00 AM

📍 Location: Sam K**b (Meeting details provided upon registration)

🎒 Bring: Your binoculars, your curiosity, and a warm layer (it's cool up there!)

Spots are limited for this high-altitude journey! Head over to our website to claim your place in the clouds.

🔗 Register Here: https://haywoodrecreation.short.gy/birding

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Address

258 Armory Drive
Clyde, NC
28721

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(828) 452-6789

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