Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a new way for locals to beat the heat beyond air conditioned community centers and pools in Malvern Hills and Recreation parks. A new swimming pool at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center opened August 2. Admission is $3 per person.
The pool’s hours are 12-6 p.m. on Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. The pool will be open daily through August 6, then operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule through August 27. On August 4, it will stay open until 8 p.m. during a block party and ribbon cutting celebrating the $8.3 million neighborhood investment expanding the community center’s offerings.
It is the first new public pool to open in the city since 1970. As such, it has the feel of a private pool with a shallow family play zone, deck with lounge chairs and bistro tables, water basketball court, and modern restrooms and changing rooms to ensure a truly multi-generational space to be enjoyed by all. The pool’s design also allows for the return of APR’s popular water aerobics classes scheduled for Saturday mornings at 10-10:45 a.m. from August 5-September 2. Registration is free for community members 60 or older and $3 per session for others.
For community members looking to cool off without getting wet, all APR community centers feature air conditioning and WiFi access. Free community offerings include exercise classes, hobby clubs, card and board games, dances, cooking and healthy living classes, affinity groups, arts and crafts, music jams and drum circles, trivia, salsa and line dancing, indoor basketball, programs for teens and young adults, special events, and much more that can be found in the current program guide (available in English and Spanish).
