Construction of a new pool at Malvern Hills Park will officially kick off before the end of the year. Following Asheville City Council’s approval of a contract amendment Tuesday, the community asset is moving out of the design phase and into construction.
Funded through the voter-approved 2024 Parks and Recreation General Obligation (GO) Bond, the pool facility is scheduled to open for the 2028 summer season. The upcoming construction will deliver a modern, safe, and accessible aquatic center while maintaining the historic look and feel of the pool house for the whole community. A rendering of the new pool’s design is available at PublicInput.com/WestAVLPool.
“Malvern Hills Park Pool is a beloved amenity that has served generations of Asheville residents,” said D. Tyrell McGirt, Asheville Parks & Recreation Director. “Reaching the construction phase brings us one step closer to bringing public swimming back to West Asheville. We are deeply grateful to our community whose dedication and input during the engagement process directly shaped a final design everyone can be proud of.”
To ensure the project is delivered efficiently and responsibly, the City is utilizing the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method. Under the CMAR process, the construction manager is brought in early to work alongside design professionals, establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and collaborating on schedules and materials before groundbreaking. This delivery method is essential for mitigating supply chain risks, controlling costs, and keeping the project on budget and on track to be completed for the 2028 swim season.
Community engagement and design highlights
The final pool design reflects input from local residents, resulting in an inclusive splash and swim layout that features a wading entry, lap swimming and a maximized deep end. The plan preserves the exterior character of the historic 1935 pool house while upgrading interior amenities for park visitors.
What to expect during construction
As construction activities commence, surrounding neighbors may notice localized impacts, including:
- Standard site preparation, periodic heavy equipment traffic and material deliveries.
- Construction-related noise can be expected from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is regulated per the City of Asheville Noise Ordinance. The contractor will have the ability to work on Saturdays as needed.
- Security fencing around the immediate pool footprint and staging areas.
- Other park features including the playground, picnic shelter, parking lot, and sports courts are intended to remain open for public use throughout the duration of the project. Portions of the paved walking loop will be closed around the pool. Additional temporary closures in the park may be necessary and will be communicated through site signage and the project page.
Project Process Method
To ensure the project is delivered efficiently and responsibly, the City is utilizing the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method. Under the CMAR process, the construction manager is brought in early to work alongside design professionals, establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and collaborating on schedules and materials before groundbreaking. This delivery method is essential for mitigating supply chain risks, controlling costs, and keeping the project on budget and on track to be completed for the 2028 swim season.
Where to swim in 2027
Malvern Hills Park is uniquely located within the only area of the city that offers access to three other public swimming pools that can typically be reached by a 10-15 minute drive:
- Grant Southside Center on 285 Livingston Street
- Hominy Valley Pool on 25 Twin Lakes Road in Candler
- Erwin Pool on 58 Lees Creek Road in Asheville
For ongoing progress updates on this construction project, visit and subscribe on the City of Asheville’s project page.