Asheville – Ashevillians looking to beat the heat are in luck! Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) plans to bring free family-friendly foam parties, inflatable water slides, and other water activities to public parks to welcome summer’s arrival.
Providing Alternative Water-Based Fun
“Asheville Parks & Recreation knows summer fun can get expensive,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We host hundreds of free and low-cost – and high-fun! – family events and activities all year. Malvern Hills Park’s pool and Splasheville in Pack Square Park are open, and a new pool currently under construction opens at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center later this year, but Recreation Park’s pool is under repair. We want to host Splash into Summer in parks closest to Recreation Park in order to provide alternative water-based fun for families in that area until the pool opens.”
Splash into Summer Events
Additional events may be announced as they are confirmed.
– June 11, 1-3 pm – Foam Party with Professor Whizzpop in Kenilworth Park
– June 12, 10:30 am-1:30 pm – Inflatable Water Slide at Recreation Park
– June 20, 10:30 am -1:30 pm – Inflatable Water Slide at Recreation Park
– June 27, 12 – 3 pm – Inflatable Water Slide at Murphy-Oakley Park
– June 30, 1 – 3 pm – Foam Party with Professor Whizzpop at Recreation Park
– July 1, 10 am -12 pm – Toddler Water Day at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
– July 7, 10:30 am -1:30 pm – Inflatable Water Slide at Jake Rusher Park
– July 11, 11 am – 2 pm – Inflatable Water Slide at Murphy-Oakley Park
Related Facilities and Cooling Options
– Splasheville in Pack Square Park is open daily from 10 am -8:30 pm except during some special events and festivals.
– Malvern Hills Park’s pool is open daily beginning June 10. Admission is $3 per person. Hours can be found on ashevillecitypools.com.
– Craven Street Bridge Boating Access Area, Pearson Bridge Public Boat Launch (704 Riverside Drive), and Amboy Riverfront, Carrier, and Jean Webb parks offer river access for tubing and boating.
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 in the current program guide (available in English and Spanish).
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
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.