ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Parking fees at the North Carolina Arboretum will increase beginning March 1, 2026, officials announced.

The cost for personal vehicle parking will be $25, a change approved by the arboretum’s board of directors following a periodic review of operating expenses and programming costs.

Arboretum officials said parking fees are typically evaluated every two years to ensure revenue keeps pace with the cost of maintaining the property and supporting educational programs and public events. Previous fee reviews were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and later postponed again in 2025 because of widespread economic impacts tied to Tropical Storm Helene.

According to arboretum officials, continued expansion of programming and increased maintenance challenges following storm damage contributed to the decision to raise the fee.

Membership rates will remain unchanged. Visitors may also continue to access the arboretum using Zoom passes available through participating local library branches.

The arboretum will continue offering a $10 discount on personal vehicle parking on the first Tuesday of each month.

Officials said revenue from parking helps support operations while allowing the arboretum to provide nature-based experiences, educational programming and community events.