With a run of days hitting 80 degrees or higher this summer, Asheville Parks & Recreation has been hosting free water-based activities throughout the city – with plenty more planned for the weeks ahead. To keep things fresh, each date features a different mix of inflatable water slides, activities, and games for kids, tweens, and teens. Community members should wear swimsuits and bring their own towels. All dates and times are subject to weather conditions.
“While both of Asheville’s public pools are open for the summer, we know spending a full day at the pool isn’t always possible,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, Director of Asheville Parks & Recreation. “Anyone visiting Pack Square Park on a hot day can see the overwhelming joy at our popular free splash pad, Splasheville. We’ve taken that same idea and translated it into fun water days throughout the city by bringing in temporary water features and activities for families to enjoy at these pop up events.”
Malvern Thrills Water Days at Malvern Hills Park (75 Rumbough Pl.)
- Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saturday, August 6, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Walton Street Water Days at Walton Street Park (570 Oakland Rd.)
- Saturday, July 16, 1-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 27, 1-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 3, 1-4 p.m.
- Monday, August 8, 1-4 p.m.
- Saturday, August 20, 1-4 p.m. (Back to School Bash co-hosted with Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center)
Toddler Water Days at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
- Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Saturday, September 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Splasheville in Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) is open daily from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. except during some special events and festivals.
For community members looking to cool off without getting wet, all Asheville Parks & Recreation 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 on avlrec.com or in the current program guide.
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
Established in 1956, the Asheville Parks & Recreation Department 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 8 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 the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.