Asheville residents will face another summer with limited public swimming options, as ongoing repairs and storm damage have left the city with just one operational pool. The Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center pool remains the sole facility open to the public, continuing until early September with a daily admission fee of $3. Operating hours can be found here.
City officials acknowledge the community’s eagerness to return to swimming activities. An Asheville Parks and Recreation spokesperson expressed mutual enthusiasm but noted that the process of planning and constructing new public pools is complex. The spokesperson emphasized, “Planning and constructing public pools are more complex than routine maintenance like replacing a pump, updating a filtration system, or renovating restrooms.” Fortunately, progress is being made on two new city pools, adhering to previously set timelines.
In East Asheville, the Recreation Park pool remains out of service due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Public input has been gathered through events and online surveys, with plans to unveil new design concepts this summer. The Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project team is spearheading these efforts as part of a larger initiative to restore storm-damaged facilities and infrastructure along Azalea Road. “The team plans to present renderings and explain the concept direction later this summer with additional opportunities for the community to offer more focused feedback on specific elements and features,” added the spokesperson. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with phased openings anticipated as work progresses.
West Asheville residents will see the Malvern Hills Park pool closed for a third consecutive summer. The pool, shut down in 2024 due to safety and repair cost concerns, is set for replacement thanks to a $20 million bond package approved by voters. Construction on the new facility is expected to commence later this year, with plans for a new pool and renovated bathhouse to open by summer 2028. Asheville Parks and Recreation confirmed the project remains on schedule and within budget, actively seeking bids from construction and specialty contractors.
Local residents, such as Caleb Martin, a structural engineer, remain hopeful. Martin expressed, “It’s sad that it’s closed, but you know, they are actively working to reopen it, which will be nice in 2028 for the kids. Hopefully that schedule sticks.” Longtime neighborhood resident Lauren Powell shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining recreational spaces, “We need more third spaces, and we need the ones that we already have to stay around. I mean, it’s already a struggle to find inexpensive or free recreation for people that’s outdoors and in nature.”
While Asheville’s public pool options are limited, several Buncombe County pools are available this summer. Daily admission costs $4, except at the BCS Aquatics Center, which charges $5. Details on county pool schedules can be accessed here. Additionally, Splasheville, the public splashpad in Pack Square Park, offers another way to stay cool, open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For further information on summer recreational activities in Asheville and Buncombe County, visit here and here.
