Are you ready to get super-soaked, Ashevillians? Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a summer of water games, foam parties, and water-based popup programs for community members of all ages. In addition to these free and low-cost events, outdoor pools at Recreation Park and Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center open for the season on Memorial Day weekend for affordable summer fun. Pack Square Park’s popular free splash pad, Splasheville, is already open.
Bring sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, and water bottle. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet for events at parks and community centers; bathing suits required for programs in pools. Space is limited for some programs, so advance registration at AVLREC.com is recommended.
Foam Frenzy Parties in Parks
1-3pm .:. Free .:. All Ages
Join neighbors for foam-filled afternoons as parks turn into fluffy, foamy lands of fun and make-believe.
- June 9 – Kenilworth Park
- June 25 – Malvern Hills Park
- August 11 – Recreation Park
Summer Splash Water Days
11am-2pm .:. Free .:. All Ages
Dive into a world of water-themed activities and beat the heat with an array of aquatic adventures.
- June 16 – Malvern Hills Park
- June 21 – Murphy-Oakley Park
- July 2 – Jake Rusher Park
- July 14 – Carrier Park
- July 18 – Malvern Hills Park
- August 6 – Malvern Hills Park
River Snorkeling
May 21, August 21, and August 30, meet at river site or Recreation Park Outdoor Programs Building for van transportation
Times Vary .:. $10 for Ages 13-18 (must be accompanied by adult) and $20 for Ages 19+, Advance Registration Required
See mountain streams from a new perspective just under the surface. Wetsuit, wetsuit socks, snorkels, and masks provided. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely attached to feet.
Adult Water Aerobics
Saturdays from June 15-August 10, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool
10-10:50am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59
B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporate effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.
Water Field Day Frenzy
June 22 and July 20, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center’s Ballfield
2-3pm .:. $5, Advance Registration Required
Summer is heating up and so is the competition at the ultimate water field day competition.
- June 22 – Ages 6-11
- July 20 – Ages 12-16
Beach Towel Tye Dye
June 23, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center’s Outdoor Plaza
2-3pm .:. $5, Advance Registration Required .:. Ages 7-10
Surf’s up on kids’ creativity as they twist, dye, and design groovy beach towels for the summer.
Teen DJ Spin & Swim Pool Parties
June 28 and July 26, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s Outdoor Pool
6-9pm .:. Free .:. Ages 12-18
Feel the club vibes at pool parties for local teens featuring food, music, and fun surprises.
Summertime Water Play for Active Adults
June 30, Grove Street Community Center
2-4pm .:. Free .:. Ages 50+
Cool off with water games designed for adults 50 or better.
Senior Splash
July 3 and August 7, Recreation Park’s Outdoor Pool (van transportation available, call 828-350-2062 to reserve a spot)
1-3pm .:. Free .:. Ages 50+
Make new friends hanging out at pool parties for older adults.
Splashing Sprouts
July 13 and July 27, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center’s Outdoor Plaza
4-5pm .:. Free .:. Ages 2-5 with parent or guardian
Whether they’re dipping their toes in for the first time or confidently splashing, this promises enriching and memorable water adventures for toddlers.
Splasheville
Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.
Outdoor Pools
- Recreation Park is located on 65 Gashes Creek Road
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center is located on 285 Livingston Street
- For hours of operation, visit ashevillecitypools.com
- As previously announced, Malvern Hills Park’s pool remains closed this year. ART (Asheville Rides Transit) vouchers are available at Burton Street Community Center and West Asheville Library during regular hours for Asheville residents to travel to the two operational pools at no charge. View maps and schedules on the City of Asheville’s website.
Pool Admission and Swim Lessons
Cost to swim is $3 per day. Season passes may be purchased for $100 per individual or $150 for a family of up to four individuals.
Asheville’s public pools are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons on the management group’s website, ashevillecitypools.com.
More Ways to Stay Cool
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 en español).
Extreme temperatures – especially extreme heat – can be very dangerous. To remain safe, community members are reminded to drink plenty of hydrating fluids (avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages), wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, stay out of the sun as much as possible, and practice smart sun safety measures.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 10 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.
Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For latest updates, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter, follow the department on Facebook (@aprca) and Instagram (@ashevilleparksandrecreation), or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.