News Summary
The Grant Southside Center Pool in Asheville has been closed following safety concerns after a firearms incident. The closure was announced via the city’s Facebook page, stating that the pool will remain shut until further notice. This decision arises from increasing extreme behavior at the facility, including reports of a juvenile apprehended with a firearm. All scheduled programs are canceled, and community members are advised to use alternative public pools. The pool is expected to reopen with modified hours to enhance safety measures.
Asheville, North Carolina – The Grant Southside Center Pool has been temporarily closed due to prevailing safety concerns following a recent incident involving a firearm on the premises. The closure announcement was made on the Asheville City Government’s Facebook page, indicating the pool will remain closed until further notice.
This decision comes in light of increasing extreme behavior at the pool facilities that have compromised safety for patrons. On July 2, the Asheville Police Department reported apprehending a juvenile with a firearm at the location. Authorities successfully secured the weapon, and fortunately, no injuries were reported during this alarming incident.
The Asheville Police Department is actively collaborating with the Department of Juvenile Justice regarding potential charges against the juvenile involved. As a result of this closure, all previously scheduled programs at the pool, including water aerobics and teen events, have been canceled. Community members are encouraged to utilize other public pools operated by Buncombe County Parks & Recreation and visit Splasheville, located in Pack Square Park, as alternatives for recreational activities.
It is noteworthy that the Recreation Park’s pool is also closed due to damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Helene, further limiting pool access options for local residents.
Despite an original plan for a brief closure, the Grant Southside Center Pool is set to reopen on July 4, albeit with modified hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city acknowledged that multiple safety concerns necessitated the pool’s closure, including the firearm incident and issues related to lifeguards’ instructions not being followed. Additionally, reports of firecrackers being used on the pool deck have further underscored the need for increased safety measures.
To enhance security after reopening, uniformed security personnel will be present at the pool site. This measure aims to foster a safe environment for community members looking to enjoy recreational activities in the water. The APR Director, D. Tyrell McGirt, emphasized the priority placed on community safety, alongside the commitment to implement both immediate and longer-term solutions for the enjoyment of the pool facilities.
In summary, the Grant Southside Center Pool’s closure reflects a precautionary approach to ensuring patron safety following severe behavior incidents, with the authorities taking proactive steps to maintain secure access upon its reopening. Residents are reminded to explore alternative public swimming options in the area during this temporary closure period.
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Additional Resources
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- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
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- Google News: Asheville pool incident
