About the Village Green
Mission and History
Preserving the future of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and providing excellence to the community.
When a hotel chain bought two acres of land at the southwest corner of the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107, three area residents were dismayed at the prospect of losing their quaint village atmosphere. Al Balestiere, Elizabeth Davenport, and John Lupton bought the land from the hotel firm and donated it to a non-profit corporation, The Village Green, for the Cashiers community in 1992. The Village Green was established with the mission to preserve and enhance land for our community’s civic, spiritual, academic, recreational, and cultural activities in order to maintain the quality of life for all citizens and visitors to the greater Cashiers area.
The founders of The Village Green envisioned a very special park in the heart of the Cashiers community that would serve to create community by bringing local residents and visitors together. Since that original acquisition, The Village Green has grown to 13.2 acres encompassing peaceful meandering walking paths, a nationally recognized dahlia garden, beautiful native landscaping and stone walls, boardwalks over tranquil protected wetlands, a community-built children’s playground with rustic pavilions for family picnics, sculpture by internationally renowned artists and two multi-use open-air event venues. The Village Green is a vital asset to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The Village Green continues to grow and serve the community. The Village Green receives no government support; the operations and improvements are funded by specially planned events and private contributions.
Board of Directors
The Village Green has an active Board of Directors that oversees its operations, improvements, and fundraising endeavors.
- Kinsey Harper, Chairperson
- Bill Horton, Vice Chair
- Matt Cole, Treasurer
- Rob McNeal, Executive Committee – Legal Counsel
- Paige Barnes
- Renee Byrd
- Drew English
- Sara Ferguson
- Louis Freeman
- Ben Harris
- Merrel Hattink
- Russ Krueger
- Brandy Letson
- Lea Thompson
- Peter Young
- Sue Lewis, Past Chair
Staff
Ashlie Mitchell is the Executive Director of The Village Green. You may contact her at ashlie@cashiersgreen.com.
Shelby Ward is the Community Event and Volunteer Coordinator of The Village Green. You may contact her at shelby@cashiersgreen.com
Job Openings!
Connect With Us
Contact Us
The Village Green
PO Box 2201
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-3434
Support Us
As a nonprofit organization that receives no government funds, The Village Green depends on the generosity of donors. Your contribution is vital to maintain, enhance, and improve the park. Learn how you can support The Village Green.
Disclaimer
The Village Green is a privately owned, non-profit park system that has been made open to the public between dawn and dusk, 7-days a week. While the park is open to the public, there is No Loitering anywhere throughout the park. Also, as a park that is open to the public, and for the safety and security of all those who visit the park – Registered sex offenders are prohibited from entering The Village Green – NC 14-208.18 (a).