West Asheville – The year was 1922, and Horney Heights Park opened in West Asheville. Now known as Malvern Hills Park, the park features tennis courts, playground equipment, and, in 1936, a pool funded by money from Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. The pool is where residents cool off during the hot summer months. That is until this year.
City of Asheville officials announced that the 90-year-old outdoor pool at Malvern Hills Park will remain closed for the upcoming 2024 summer season. This decision, driven by considerations of community safety, follows recommendations from Buncombe County Environmental Health inspectors during the pool’s 2023 inspection.
These recommendations urged Asheville Parks and Recreation (APR) staff to proactively assess and address maintenance needs that could pose safety risks in the future.
Despite efforts by APR aquatics professionals to maintain the facility through temporary fixes last summer, the pool has reached a point where further repairs are not feasible. A professional assessment conducted in 2015-2016 concluded that the pool had reached the end of its lifespan and advised against additional investments.
Recent consultations with contractors have indicated that significant repairs or general maintenance would likely uncover additional integrity issues with the existing infrastructure, necessitating substantial investments to meet current codes.
APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt stated, “Given the conclusions of the assessment and the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of a minimum investment of $400,000, along with the likelihood of additional issues arising during repairs, staff regrettably recommends keeping the pool closed for the 2024 season. Community safety remains our primary concern.”
The decision to keep the pool closed aligns with the ongoing development of the Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks comprehensive plan, which will guide future investments in Malvern Hills Park and other aquatics facilities in the city.
This plan, created with input from the community, is currently in its second phase of engagement, with additional opportunities for public feedback scheduled for March. It is slated for presentation to City Council for acceptance in June 2024.
What are residents to do for a cool dip to relieve the heat of summer? In light of the closure, APR is working closely with affected neighborhoods to ensure residents have alternative recreation options for the summer. APR operates two other public pools in the city and the free splash pad Splasheville in Pack Square Park. Additionally, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation offers five outdoor pools throughout the county.
“So many wonderful memories at this place,” said Jan Banks when she learned of the closing this year. “Replace the pool instead of wasting all the tax money that is thrown away on useless statues. It’s a vital part of the West Asheville community.”
Despite the temporary closure of the pool, APR remains committed to providing safe and high-quality recreational opportunities for the community, including through its summer camp program, which will be accommodated at nearby locations.