Malvern Hills Park Improvements

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Making Waves: RFQ for Pool Design is Live!

Are you ready, Ashevillians? The journey to a new pool for Malvern Hills Park has officially begun. The City of Asheville just posted the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), inviting top aquatic design and architecture firms to outline their best ideas to meet the needs of our city. Expect the winning team to be selected in April – and then the real fun begins!

To ensure the selected firm can hit the ground running (or hit the water swimming, rather), in March we’ll launch a community survey to gather ideas, preferences, and potential uses for the new pool. This is an opportunity to tell us what features and experiences you most want to see. The City of Asheville and the chosen design firm will use feedback from the survey to host in-person and virtual community engagement sessions, further refining ideas to design a space that reflects our community’s spirit.

While the main focus is on the pool, the project also includes renovating the existing bathhouse, modernizing features to meet current code and increasing accessibility for everyone. Other elements of the park such as sidewalks, parking, and green space may also be impacted.

🏊 View the RFP at Asheville Bid Opportunities

Building a Legacy: Construction Project Flow

We know you’re eager to jump into the new pool, and we are too! This project is a top priority for the City of Asheville. Creating a top-notch aquatic facility takes time and careful planning to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and enjoyment for as many residents as possible.

A more detailed timeline will be shared after the design firm is selected. But for perspective, community engagement, design, and construction of the pool at Grant Southside Center took more than three years. While some phases of the process may seem more exciting than others, all are necessary.

This project is currently entering the Project Design phase in which community members, City of Asheville staff, and aquatic professionals work together to define expectations and develop a realistic vision for the new pool.

🗺️ Explore project flow at the Malvern Hills Park project page or this article on community infrastructure

Planning Ahead: Aquatic Adventures This Summer

Following catastrophic Helene-related destruction to Recreation Park’s pool, the City of Asheville will only open the public pool at Grant Southside Center this year. However, the pool will be open longer hours to accommodate more community members.

While we build for the future, Asheville Parks & Recreation wants to make the most of this summer by bringing the splash directly to Malvern Hills Park. Save the date for these FREE, fun-filled water events at the park!

• May 8 – Toddler Water World Takeover
• June 12 – Summer Splash Day
• June 24 – Foam Frenzy Party
• July 27 – Summer Splash Day
• August 5 – Summer Splash Day

🌞 Find more ways to beat the heat in this article about aquatic options