Chill Out as Asheville Parks & Recreation Pool Opening Date & Summer Water Events

Asheville --  Press Release City of Asheville: Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a summer of water games, foam parties, and water-based pop-up programs for community members of all ages to chill out and beat the heat.

In addition to these free and low-cost events, the outdoor pool at Grant Southside Center opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend for affordable summer fun. Pack Square Park’s popular free splash pad, Splasheville, is already open.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, and water or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet for events at parks and community centers while bathing suits are required for programs in pools. Space is limited for some programs, so advance registration at AVLREC.com is recommended.

Foam Frenzyyoung boy and girl playing in a mountain of foam
1-3 pm .:. Free .:. All Ages

Join neighbors for foam-filled afternoons as parks turn into fluffy, foamy lands of fun and make-believe.

June 8 – Kenilworth Park
June 24 – Malvern Hills Park
July 23 – Jake Rusher Park
August 10 – Montford Park
Summer Splash Days
11 am-2 pm .:. Free .:. All Ages

Dive into a world of water-themed activities and beat the heat with an array of aquatic adventures.

June 12 – Malvern Hills Park
June 17 – Jake Rusher Park
June 22 – Murphy-Oakley Center (ballfield)
July 3 – Jake Rusher Park
July 15 – Murphy-Oakley Center (ballfield)
July 27 – Malvern Hills Park
August 2 – Jake Rusher Park
August 5 – Malvern Hills Park
August 14 – Murphy-Oakley Center (ballfield)
Ageless Water Aerobicswater aerobics class
Saturdays from June 7-August 16, Grant Southside Center Outdoor Pool

10-10:50 am .:. Free for Ages 60+ and $3 for Ages 18-59

B.A.L.L. (Be Active Live Longer) gentle water aerobics incorporates effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.

Toddler Sip and Splash
June 26, July 24, and August 28, Grant Southside Center

2-3pm .:. Free, Advance Registration Required .:. Ages 2-5 with adult

This drop-in program combines the joy of water play with a social and sensory-rich environment, fostering early development and creating lasting memories.

Teen DJ Spin & Swim Pool Takeoveryouth playing with a water football in the pool
June 27 and July 25, Grant Southside Center Outdoor Pool

6:30-8:30 pm .:. Free .:. Ages 12-18

Feel the club vibes at pool parties for local teens featuring food, music, and fun surprises.

Toddler Beach Day Fun
June 28, Avery Montford Center

1-3pm .:. $2, Advance Registration Required .:. Ages 2-5 with adult

Enjoy sandcastles, water play, and endless fun in the sun.

Splash of Colors
August 16, Avery Montford Center

1-1:45 pm .:. Free .:. Ages 1-4 with adult

Send little ones in white tees to turn ordinary water play into a vibrant, sensory experience with safe, kid-friendly colored water. 

River Snorkelingyoung people wearing scuba gear for river snorkeling
August 23 and August 29, meet at river site or Murphy-Oakley Center picnic shelter for van transportation

Times Vary .:. $10 for Ages 11-17 (must be accompanied by adult) and $20 for Ages 18+, Advance Registration Required

See mountain streams from a wild new perspective just under the surface. Wetsuit, wetsuit socks, snorkels, and masks provided. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely attached to feet.

Splasheville
Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9am-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

Grant Southside Center Outdoor Pooltwo boys playing pool basketball
Opened in 2023, the modern outdoor pool at Grant Southside Center is centrally located and features a toddler play zone, lounge deck, picnic tables, restrooms, and changing rooms.

Admission is $3 per day

For the 2025 season, regular pool hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday from 12-7 p.m., though hours may vary due to weather or special events
Dates of operation are May 24-September 1 (weekends only before June 7 and after August 17)
The pool is managed by Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons on the management group’s website, ashevillecitypools.com.

What’s Next for Asheville’s Pools?

Asheville voters overwhelmingly approved a general obligation (GO) bond referendum allocating up to $20 million for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city including a new outdoor pool in Malvern Hills Park with more info on its project page
Following catastrophic Helene-related destruction at the city’s most popular pool in Recreation Park, the City of Asheville plans to begin the design process to rebuild parks and recreation spaces along Azalea and Gashes Creek roads later in May.
More Ways to Stay Cool
For community members looking to cool off without getting wet, all APR 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 en español) and in APR’s newsletters.

Asheville Parks & Recreation: Explore, Connect, Discover!

With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With paved greenways and natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city. As the city works to recover and rebound in the wake of massive destruction, some spaces are currently inaccessible.

Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For latest updates, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter, follow the department on Facebook (@aprca) and Instagram (@ashevilleparksandrecreation), or visit  ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation

Image: WNCTimes