The history and future of Walton Street Park

Dive into the history of Walton Street Pool and Park

Asheville's Walton Street Pool in the 1950s

The Walton Street Pool in the 1950s. | Isaiah Rice Photo Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Ramsey Library at UNC Asheville

The Walton Street Pool and Park earned a local historic landmark designation last month, making it the 50th property in the county to receive this honor.

The 4.37-acre property has a legacy as a cherished public space, meeting ground, and recreational hub for Black residents — and it also has an application pending for the National Register of Historic Places.

The park, located at 570 Walton St. in the South Side neighborhood, first opened as “Riverview Park” in 1939. In 1948, a concrete pool and bathhouse was added to the complex — upgrades which “immediately began drawing unprecedented crowds to the park,” according to a newly published historical report.

“That was the pool and the bathhouse for Blacks in the city,” recalls resident Lawrence Gilliam.

Walton Street Pool Circa 1951 — Walton Street Pool circa 1951.

Over the decades — despite the radical changes brought about by urban renewal and the challenge of “inconsistent and insufficient” maintenance — the park remained a “constant in the neighborhood,” with residents flocking for swim lessons, sports, and other neighborhood activities.

Even after integration began in the 1950s, the park remained a hub, drawing residents from Black neighborhoods all over the city, including Stumptown, Burton Street, East End, and Shiloh.

In 2021, Asheville City Council voted to close the 83 year-old pool due to infrastructure problems and announced plans to build a new $1.8 million pool in another part of the Southside community.

The dialogue around how best to honor the complex’s history is ongoing — most recently, Asheville Parks and Recreation has allocated $500,000 to enhance the space and highlight its historical significance.

A proposed layout of Walton Street Park and Pool — A proposed set of upgrades for Walton Street Park.

What’s next for the landmark? On Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Asheville Parks & Recreation will host a free “Flapjacks & Feedback community discussion at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center.

There’s also a second survey open through Tuesday, Nov. 15 that invites input on the historic recognition and various facility upgrades.

What’s another historical landmark you’d be interested in reading about?

See the full list — which includes everything from the Beaufort House Inn and the Zealandia home to the mysterious Overlook Castle.

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Thursday, Nov. 10

NaNoWriMo Event with Denise Kiernan | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 7 p.m. | Wedge Brewery at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Join authors Denise Kiernan and Joe D’Agnese in The Wedge’s Cloud Room for this special writing event.
The Road To Unforgetting | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave, Asheville | Free | A book launch and discussion with writer and photographer Pete Candler that focuses on his latest work: a collection of photos taken across the South.

Friday, Nov. 11

Asheville Championship | Friday, Nov. 11 + Sunday, Nov. 13 | 6-10:30 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $27-$398 | Friday’s matchups include Harvard vs. Louisiana at 6 p.m. and East Tennessee State vs. Elon at 8:30 p.m. — Sunday’s third place game tips at 2 p.m., followed by the Championship game at 4:30 p.m.
Complimentary Veterans Day Barbecue Lunch | Friday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Buxton Hall Barbecue, 32 Banks Ave, Asheville | Free | All veterans who served, and are still serving, in the Armed Forces are invited to enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch.
“The Big Brunch” Watch Party | Friday, Nov. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St. , Asheville | Free | Watch episode one of “The Big Brunch,” a new cooking show featuring local chef J Chong, among fans — proceeds from the event support the Feed Asheville Farm.

Saturday, Nov. 12

The Annual RADA Studio Stroll | Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | River Arts District, Various locations, Asheville | Free | Explore the local art scene at this two-day studio tour and shopping event.
Mr. and Ms. Gay Latino Asheville 2022 | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $40 | The 14th annual iteration of this pageant showcases contestants and performers from across the country in an electric night of music, dance, and drag.
East Fork Holiday Makers Market | Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | East Fork Asheville, 15 W. Walnut St., Asheville | Free | Attend the debut of this annual market, which showcases the artistic wares of East Fork employees, including ceramics, textiles, and beyond.
I Am Home Fall Art Show | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 4-7 p.m. | Gingers Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | This art showcase features works from Asheville’s unhoused and at-risk community — 100% of proceeds support the artists.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Weather

62º | Scattered showers | 60% chance of rain
Expect heavy rainfall and gusty winds tonight as Tropical Storm Nicole makes her way through WNC. Rainfall will be heaviest the following morning, Nov. 11 and should taper off by the evening. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Try This

The 30th annual National Gingerbread House Competition kicks off Monday, Nov. 21 at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Want to participate? Entries are accepted from all ages + skill levels through Monday, Nov. 14. Creations will be on display for the public from Monday, Nov. 28 to Friday, Jan. 2. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Arts

Arts AVL has distributed $194,658 in funding to 42 area arts organizations. The money — which comes through the Grassroots Arts Program — supports programming + operations for Buncombe County nonprofits, including LEAF Global Arts, Hola Carolina, and the Urban Arts Institute.

Number

29.7%. That’s how much liquor sales increased in Asheville over the last year. The main reason for the spike in sales? The reopening of bars and restaurants after pandemic lockdowns. The Asheville ABC Board’s total revenue for fiscal year 2022 is $3.9 million — funds which are directed back into the city and county. 🥃 (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Festival

The Bear Shadow music festival has announced its lineup. Headliners include Spoon, The Head & The Heart, Fruit Bats, and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. The festival is slated for Friday, April 28-Sunday, April 30 in the Highlands Plateau (~2 hours away). Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 16. 🎸

Health

MAHEC is hosting the second annual Asheville African American Health Symposium this weekend, Nov. 11-12. The conference will explore racial disparities in the health system and offer evidence-based strategies. Dr. Kimberlyn Leary, an associate professor at Harvard University, is the keynote speaker. Register to attend.

Announced

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Seasonal

Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from going to outdoor sporting events or enjoying local hiking trails. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

Featured Space

Take in the stunning city + mountain views from every room (read: the entire fifth floor) in the office suites at 29 N. Market St. The 3,126-sqft space features elevator access, a reception area, eight private offices, a conference room, two filing rooms, a kitchenette, and private restrooms. 👀 *

Learn

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Listen

We already know that you love Asheville, so you might love this too. Home Where You Belong is a weekly podcast that explores how to feel more at home in your living space and city, provides tools for deepening your relationships + connections with your community, and more. Listen online or wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 *

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Our gift to you this holiday season 🎁

Clove-stuffed oranges are a lovely annual holiday tradition in Appalachian. | Photo by @destrehan

As the holidays approach, the AVLtoday team is working on your gift basket. And by that, we mean a roster of fun and helpful guides to help you have the best holiday season yet.

We’ve already got guides in the works, including a roundup of seasonal events, a Thankgiving meal guide, locally crafted gifts you can order from the comfort of your home, and an itinerary you can keep in your back pocket for any visitors you might host.

What else would you like to see, to help take an Asheville holiday season from scary to merry?

Hit the button below to share your idea. ⬇️

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: Did you manage to catch a glimpse of the Beaver Blood Moon earlier this week? See images of this celestial occasion from local photographers.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Catch up on the local election results, here.

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Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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