Following weeks of conversations, engineering consultations, and brainstorming, Asheville Parks & Recreation is happy to announce that Malvern Hills Pool will open on Saturday, July 2, at 11 a.m. Regular operating hours for the pool on 75 Rumbough Place are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, and 12-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Admission is $3 per person. Season passes are $100 for an individual or $150 for a family of up to four individuals.
The pool’s opening was delayed following concerns about the drainage system’s configuration and suction covers during its annual inspection. Following revisions to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act’s federal guidelines, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services instructed inspectors to field-verify suction outlets.
Initially, Buncombe County Environmental Health could not verify the flow rating of the pool’s drainage system, which has been in place for a number of years and was previously permitted as recently as May 27, 2021. Earlier this week, the drain cover manufacturer provided the department with updated documentation and the pool has been approved to safely operate with the current configuration through 2024. Due to the late nature of this approval, visitor capacity may be limited in the first few days of operation as lifeguards and other essential staff are scheduled for this location.
“Since we do not operate a year-round aquatics program, partnering with experts such as the Swim Club Management Group allows us to deliver the highest-quality seasonal swim offerings possible,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, Asheville Parks and Recreation Director. “In this case, we would not have had the contacts to resolve this issue as quickly without the help of our contracted pool provider – though our team members worked tirelessly to come up with solutions. After meetings with contractors, engineers, Buncombe County, and community members, we are happy to bring this popular pool back to the community in time for July 4th celebrations.”
Malvern Thrills, a series of free water-based programming in Malvern Hills Park, will continue throughout the summer. The department’s Rec n Roll mobile recreation van will host inflatable water slides, games with water elements, and other water-related activities. Each date features a unique lineup of features and activities to keep it fresh and exciting.
Due to the increase in vehicles, Rumbough Place will operate as a one-way street from Sulphur Springs Rd. to Harris Ave. for the rest of the swim season. Recreation Park Pool (65 Gashes Creek Rd.) and Splasheville (splash pad in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza) are also open for the summer.
All dates and times are subject to weather conditions.
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.