Asheville, NC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Asheville residents can participate in a community open house on September 23 to review plans for a new public swimming pool at Malvern Hills Park. Attendees will meet with project designers and provide feedback on the renovations to the historic bathhouse. The city emphasizes community involvement, as funding comes from a voter-approved bond package aimed at improving recreational facilities. The open house will offer family-friendly activities and refreshments, with options for online feedback available for those unable to attend.
Asheville Residents Invited to Review Renovation Plans for Malvern Hills Park Pool and Historic Bathhouse
Asheville residents have an opportunity to participate in a community open house on September 23 to review and provide feedback on plans for the new public swimming pool at West Asheville’s Malvern Hills Park. The event is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at West Asheville Park, located at 198 Vermont Avenue.
Attendees will be able to meet with project designers and voice their opinions regarding the proposed design for the new swimming pool, as well as discuss renovations to the park’s historic bathhouse, built in 1935. This project is part of the city’s initiative to enhance public recreational facilities in response to community needs.
Funding for the renovation project comes from a general obligation bond package approved by voters aimed at improving parks and recreation spaces in Asheville. Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt has emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting the significance of gathering resident feedback during this developmental phase.
The city is operating on an aggressive timeline to ensure the completion of the new pool, which is necessary due to the decommissioning of the older facility that was identified as being at the end of its operational life in a 2023 inspection. The previous closure of the pool had sparked community protests, prompting city officials to address the demand for a new aquatics facility within the Recreate Asheville 10-Year Plan.
The upcoming open house will also feature family-friendly activities, refreshments, and giveaways, while supplies last. Spanish-language interpreters will be present to assist non-English speaking residents in providing their feedback.
For those unable to attend the event, the city has provided alternative options for sharing input via an online survey available on the city’s project page, or by contacting Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Pete Wall through email. The feedback collected from both the open house and the online survey will play a crucial role in finalizing the pool design while ensuring adherence to safety codes, environmental standards, and budget constraints.
The initial design concept is grounded in information obtained from a previous community survey that assessed residents’ preferences for pool features and usage. The city aims to make the new facility code-compliant and accessible to all residents, thus including various community events and engagement sessions as part of the ongoing planning process.
Key Project Details
- Event Date: September 23
- Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location: West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave.
- Project Components: New swimming pool and renovation of historic bathhouse
- Funding Source: General obligation bond package approved by voters
- Director’s Comments: Importance of community feedback emphasized
Background Context
The Malvern Hills Park Pool project has been in planning discussions due to the necessity of replacing an outdated facility that was closed for public safety reasons. The city’s active engagement with the community illustrates a commitment to providing recreational amenities that meet the needs and desires of its residents. The new pool will serve as a significant improvement to the neighborhood’s recreational landscape.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the community open house?
The community open house aims to allow residents to review and provide feedback on the proposed design for the new public pool and the renovation of the historic bathhouse at Malvern Hills Park.
When and where is the open house taking place?
The open house will be held on September 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at West Asheville Park, located at 198 Vermont Avenue.
How can residents provide feedback if they cannot attend the open house?
Residents who are unable to attend the open house can share their feedback through an online survey available on the city’s project page or by contacting the Assistant Parks & Recreation Director via email.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 23 |
| Time | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Location | West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave. |
| Project Components | New swimming pool, renovation of historic bathhouse |
| Funding Source | General obligation bond package approved by voters |
| Community Engagement | Open house, surveys, feedback collection |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Public Pools Set to Open for Summer Fun
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Community Gets First Look at West Asheville’s Next Public Pool
- 828 News Now: Help Shape Future of Malvern Hills Park Pool
- WYFF4: Asheville One Public Pool
- WLOS: Public Opinion Sought for Malvern Hills Park Pool
- Wikipedia: Swimming Pool
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
