The Rebuild Malvern Hills Pool effort is pleased to endorse the staff-recommended design for Malvern Hills Pool.

We are encouraged to see a design that truly serves the full spectrum of pool users, from families with young children who will benefit from the zero-entry area, to lap swimmers who have long needed dedicated lanes, to older kids and teens who rely on the deep end and diving board to build advanced water skills. We deeply appreciate that Parks and Recreation listened to community feedback and incorporated it meaningfully into this design.

We are also grateful for the support the City Council has shown since the beginning of this process. Rebuilding this community asset to serve the families of Asheville for another 90 years is a tremendous legacy for this Council.

History of Malvern Hills Pool

Malvern Hills Park opened as Horney Heights Park in 1922. Construction on the pool began in 1934 and was completed the next year using federal New Deal funding. City officials formally dedicated the park, pool, and bathhouse to the community on June 15, 1936.

In 1970, new walls were placed in the pool which reduced its size by seven inches. The same year, a filtration system was installed. Prior to this, the pool was drained and refilled once a week to ensure clean water. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Open Space program funded extensive improvements in 1973 including a complete remodel of the bathhouse, and additional deck space around the pool.