Walton Street Park in Asheville’s Southside neighborhood has recently undergone significant enhancements, transforming it into a modern recreational space while simultaneously achieving recognition as a local historic landmark. These dual milestones highlight the park’s enduring importance to the community and its rich, layered history. Based on neighborhood priorities, recent upgrades include a resurfaced basketball court, a modernized playground, and a versatile open area for various sports and activities, all complemented by a lighted paved walk and roll loop. Further improvements in 2022 brought additional lighting, benches, and enhanced safety features to Walton Street Park, ensuring it remains a welcoming and secure environment for all.
Upgraded basketball court and playground at Walton Street Park in Asheville
Acknowledging the Past: Walton Street Park’s Historic Significance
The story of Walton Street Park is deeply intertwined with Asheville’s history. Constructed between 1938 and 1939 with funds from the Works Progress Administration, the park first opened its gates in June 1939. The addition of the pool and bathhouse followed in June 1948, marking another significant phase in the park’s development. However, beneath the surface of recreation and community space, Walton Street Park carries a poignant narrative of segregation and resilience. During the era of government-sanctioned segregation policies and the proliferation of private, whites-only swim clubs, Walton Street Pool stood as the sole public swimming facility available to Asheville’s Black families and community members. For decades, it served as a vital, though segregated, recreational outlet, a physical manifestation of discriminatory practices prevalent in the 20th century.
Historical image of Walton Street Park Pool circa 1951 in Asheville
Recognizing this profound history, the Asheville City Council unanimously designated Walton Street Park and Pool as a local historic landmark on October 25, 2022. This designation acknowledges the park’s significant role in the city’s social and recreational history, particularly for the Black community. This decision followed extensive community engagement and a public hearing, underscoring the collective desire to preserve and honor this important site.
Community Engagement Drives Modernization and Future Vision
While celebrating its history, Walton Street Park is also looking towards the future. Years of wear and tear led to significant structural issues with the Walton Street Pool. A 2016 professional assessment revealed major leaks and failing underground pipes, concluding that further repairs would not be a sustainable solution. Moreover, the pool’s design, with a very small shallow area and a rapid drop to a 9-foot depth, limited its usability, especially for younger swimmers.
In response to these challenges and guided by community feedback gathered in 2017, the vision for Walton Street Park shifted towards redevelopment. The goal was to honor the park’s legacy while creating modern, high-quality recreational spaces. A key component of this plan involves constructing a new aquatics facility at the Grant Southside Center, located just a short distance from Walton Street Park. This new center promises expanded amenities, catering to a wider range of ages and abilities, enhanced program offerings, and improved safety features within a staffed recreation complex.
Throughout 2022, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and local non-profit Southside Rising actively sought input from neighborhood residents to shape the future of Walton Street Park. Through surveys, block parties, and community meetings, residents voiced their priorities for recreational features and enhancements. Simultaneously, city departments and community organizations collaborated with neighborhood elders to determine the most fitting way to acknowledge and honor the park’s historic significance. Currently, the Southside United Neighborhood Association is leading community-driven initiatives to explore adaptive reuse options for the existing pool and bathhouse, with engagement events planned for September and October 2024.
Walton Street Park Timeline: A Story of Continuous Development
The evolution of Walton Street Park is a testament to ongoing community involvement and city investment:
- 1938-1939: Walton Street Park constructed with Works Progress Administration funds.
- June 1939: Park opens to the public.
- June 1948: Pool and pool house open.
- 2017: Community input meetings begin, informing the Grant Southside Center Phase 2 expansion and Walton Street Park redevelopment plans.
- 2020: Park benches and grills replaced.
- Spring 2021: New park sign and improved lighting installed.
- 2022: Extensive community engagement to determine recreational priorities. Collaborative efforts to establish historic designation.
- October 25, 2022: Walton Street Park and Pool designated as a local historic landmark.
- 2022 Enhancements: Basketball court resurfacing, playground modernization, open area creation, lighted walk and roll loop installation, additional lighting, benches, and safety features added.
Walton Street Park stands as a symbol of community resilience and progress. Its revitalization and historic landmark status ensure its continued role as a vital hub for recreation, community gathering, and remembrance in Asheville’s Southside neighborhood for generations to come.
Contact Information:
Jessica Johnston, Parks & Recreation, [email protected], 828-259-5483
Alex Cole, Historic Preservation, [email protected], 828-259-5638
