Our beloved and highly-utilized public pool, Malvern Hills Pool, will not open this summer per the press release by Asheville Parks and Recreation on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

West Asheville residents, families and summer camps rely on this pool for an affordable way to cool off during the summer months. Historically, free swimming lessons have been offered here every summer, improving access to this important skill for low-income families.

We urge the City of Asheville to collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that any long-range plans include the timely renovation and reopening of this important community resource.

When Asheville Parks and Recreation presents its "Recreate Asheville" plan, we would like it to include a commitment to renovating the Malvern Hills Pool.