The City of Asheville invites community members to the next phase of engagement for repurposing and revitalizing the former Walton Street Park pool area in which the project team will share initial design concepts for enhancements to the historic pool area and gather community feedback to further refine the final design. This phase is another key step in the community-driven process, building on a great deal of input already collected.
A drop-in community open house is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, from 6-8 p.m. at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. This is a direct opportunity for residents to meet the project team, view concepts, and provide input that will help ensure the project stays focused on the community’s vision. Activities for children and refreshments will be provided.
Opportunities for Community Input
- Drop-in Community Open House on Thursday, December 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Grant Southside Center on 285 Livingston Street
- Online Feedback available through a survey on the official project page from December 4-15
- Look for Other Feedback Opportunities at community events in December with dates and locations to be announced on the official project page
Honoring Walton Street Park’s Legacy Through Adaptive Reuse
This phase moves the community closer to achieving the goal of revitalizing the historic pool area by integrating contemporary amenities while preserving the park’s distinct character. Walton Street Park, a designated Local Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, holds a significant place in Asheville’s history, having served as a vital recreational space for the generations of Black families during and after segregation.
This community investment project is made possible by voter’s remarkable approval of the general obligation (GO) bond referendum for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city. The scope of the project is focused on adaptive reuse, an approach that seeks to honor the park’s legacy while exploring opportunities for vibrant, year-round uses for the facility and former pool area that will serve the community for generations to come.
For more information about the Walton Street Park project, to take offer feedback through the survey (available December 4-15), and to find details on additional feedback opportunities, please visit the official project page at publicinput.com/walton.