Rebuilding Asheville Parks, Cicada Invasion, and Wastewater Woes - Asheville Local Frequency for May 16, 2025

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Friday, May 16, 2025. Asheville is making progress on rebuilding parks and recreation facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene. City officials have advanced the project, which aims to restore these vital community spaces for residents to enjoy once again. Nature enthusiasts will be buzzing with excitement as the Brood XIV cicadas have made their grand return to Western North Carolina after 17 years underground. These periodic visitors are creating quite the stir across the region. In Canton, officials are grappling with increased costs for wastewater treatment following changes in mill ownership. This situation presents significant financial challenges for the community moving forward. Golf fans should note that the PGA Championship has returned to Charlotte, highlighting the course design expertise of Tom Fazio. The tournament is drawing attention to North Carolina's prestigious golf scene. Law enforcement in Haywood County has upgraded their capabilities with an armored vehicle joining the Sheriff's Office fleet, enhancing their ability to respond to various situations. If you're planning to fly soon, you're in good company. Transportation officials report that 92% of Asheville flyers are now Real ID compliant as the busy summer travel season approaches. Looking for weekend activities? Buncombe County pools are set to reopen on May 24, just in time to beat the heat as summer approaches. Art lovers should mark their calendars for the Asheville Art Museum's 2025 Gala weekend. Tonight features "The Blank Canvas" kickoff party from 6 to 10 PM with live painting, auction previews, and signature cocktails. The main Gala Auction and Dinner takes place tomorrow evening. Music enthusiasts will be excited to learn that tickets for Ben Folds with the Asheville Symphony go on general sale today. This promises to be a must-see performance blending popular and classical music. In sports news, UNC Asheville's baseball team faced a tough loss yesterday against USC Upstate, falling 16-0 in their series opener at Greenwood Field. The teams will meet again today at 2 PM for the next game in the series. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.