ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
The Rebuild Malvern Hills Pool group is prepping for a rally next week, hoping to sway city leaders to come up with $3 million to save the neighborhood gathering place.
On Feb. 1, city officials said the Malvern Hills Park Pool would not open this summer because of problems found during the pool’s 2023 inspection, which said the 90-year-old facility had reached the end of its life.
However, neighborhood residents believe the pool should be rebuilt.
“It’s incredibly sad that the pool has been neglected to the degree that it’s now closed without a plan in place to repair or rebuild. I would like to see the city invest in its West Asheville residents and commit to rebuilding and opening the pool for the 2026 season,” West Asheville resident Dana Roberson said.
“The city of Asheville has an opportunity to show residents that it’s listening. We bought our house in West Asheville in 2007 largely because of the Malvern Hills Park and pool. As Asheville continues to grow, residents need to see investment from the city for affordable recreation for children, families and residents alongside visitors.”
A petition to rebuild the pool has garnered 2,234 signatures.
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The city plans to put a $75 million General Obligation Bond request before voters in November. One suggestion was to increase that request to $78 million to fund a new pool.
City council member Maggie Ullman said there is “active conversation” to include Malvern Hills Pool in the upcoming bond package.
“I am in full support of using bond resources to double down on replacing and repairing community resources, including the beloved pool in Malvern Hills,” Ullman said.
Asheville City Council has a public hearing on the budget planned during its meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at City Hall, and it also plans to discuss the bond request and project options.
“City Council members are considering a general obligation (GO) bond referendum that would be on the ballot this fall. Malvern Hills pool has been a project that could be funded through the bond,” Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said via email. “Staff will provide recommendations to the Council about a bond program with examples of projects within each category during Thursday’s virtual City Council Agenda briefing as well as the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 28.”
The Rebuild Malvern Hills Pool group is hosting a rally from 4-5 p.m. in front of Asheville City Hall.
“We have invited families to come and enjoy free popsicles while expressing their support for including funding to rebuild MHP in the GO Bond,” Sally Grau, one of the organizers of the community group, said.
Supporters are urged to wear their Malvern Hills Pool T-shirts and bring their kids, neighbors and friends to the “Popsicles to Save the Pool” rally. They should also bring signs and posters, according to the group’s Facebook post.
“May 28 is the final meeting before City Council votes on the 2025-26 budget (June 4). We need to make sure the budget includes a written commitment to use GO bond funds to rebuild Malvern Hills Pool,” the post said. “This is our opportunity to ensure that the legacy of an affordable, accessible West Asheville public swimming pool is preserved for another 90 years.”
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“Water safety/comfortability is an important skill gained in childhood and local public pools facilitate this for most children. Socializing with peers outside of school and friend groups is an invaluable result of a neighborhood public pool,” Malvern Hills resident Cara Freije said. “This pool services a wider area than just Malvern Hills neighborhood proper. There are days every summer when there is a wait to get in, and any classes the pool hosts fill up instantly. Community members have been wanting the pool to be open for more days a year, so elimination of this pool would not be in line with community needs.”
Philip Aschliman, who lives on Sulphur Springs Road, said the pool makes Malvern Hills a walkable neighborhood, which is a good thing when computers and video games are taking so much of kids’ time.
Aschliman, who has a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, said he frequently hears stories from doctors and emergency services personnel about how it’s getting harder to transport patients.
“Because patients are so heavy, they are becoming disabled. People don’t walk anymore. You hear it all the time. ‘Why aren’t our kids playing outside?’ This is a neighborhood where people can walk, where kids can walk, and we need to be protective of that,” he said.