Best Investment In Aquatics

Best Investment In Aquatics

In 2024, the most notable projects in aquatics balanced the needs of spectators and athletes, resulting in groundbreaking designs that ensured memorable experiences for everyone.

5 min read

Burbach Aquatics, Inc. — City of Pierre Outdoor Pool

  • Facility Name: City of Pierre Outdoor Pool
  • City, State: Pierre, S.D.
  • Cost of Project: $18,465,000
  • Type of Facility: Aquatics
  • Architectural Firm: Burbach Aquatics, Inc.
  • Lead Architect Name: Fred T. Matthias
  • Status: Complete
  • Square Footage: Recreation Pool = 8,915.5, Lap Pool = 9,847.5, Total = 18,763
  • Number of Floors: 1
  • % of reader vote: 46.24%

Burbach Aquatics, Inc. (BAI) recently completed a project in Pierre, S.D. This facility is a prime example of how modern aquatic centers can provide diverse recreational opportunities, promote physical fitness, and foster community engagement. By incorporating various features that appeal to different age groups and interests, spaces that encourage active lifestyles and social interaction have been created.

Key features of this facility include:

  • Lazy River: A gentle, flowing watercourse perfect for relaxing floats and water walking.
  • Enclosed Slides And Drop Slide: Exciting options for those seeking a thrill.
  • 8-Lane, 50-Meter Lap Pool: Ideal for competitive swimmers and hosting swim meets, as well as for those looking to practice their strokes.
  • Zero-Depth Entry: Provides easy access for all, including young children and individuals with mobility issues.
  • Tot Slide And Multiplay Feature: Engaging elements designed specifically for younger children.
  • Water Walk: A challenging and fun activity that tests balance and coordination.
  • 1-Meter And 3-Meter Diving Towers: For those who enjoy diving and want to practice their skills.
  • Zip Line: Adds an extra element of adventure.
  • Shade Structures And Lounge Chairs: Ensures comfort and relaxation for all visitors.
  • Elevated Turf Areas: Unique lounging spaces that separate different pool areas, offering a place to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

OLC Architecture — Arvada Aquatics Center

  • Facility Name: Arvada Aquatics Center
  • City, State: Arvada, Colo.
  • Cost of Project: $36 million
  • Type of Facility: Aquatic Center
  • Architectural Firm: OLC Architecture, Interiors and Aquatics
  • Lead Architect Name: Robert McDonald, CEO, LEED AP
  • Status: Under Construction
  • Square Footage: 50,000
  • Number of Floors: 1

The Arvada Aquatics Center is anticipated to include a 50-meter x 25-yard pool with on-deck seating for 300-400 people; spectator seating for 800; a separate shallower pool with warmer water for a variety of uses and programming; locker rooms for men, women, and officials; universal changing rooms; a pool mechanical room; lobby and office space; and support space, including additional parking, with approximately 50% more space than existing solutions.


Natare Pools — City of Globe Community Swimming Pool

  • Facility Name: City of Globe Community Swimming Pool
  • City, State: Globe, Ariz.
  • Type of Facility: Community Swimming Pool
  • Architectural Firm: Balian Architects
  • Lead Architect Name: David Balian, Principal
  • Status: Complete
  • Square Footage: 7,584
  • Number of Floors: 1

For nearly 10 years, the pool at the City of Globe Community Center sat empty. The once-vibrant pool was closed due to continuous water loss, a host of structural issues, and mechanical components that were past the end of their service life. After community feedback, the city realized the pool needed a complete overhaul to accommodate its growing population and the needs of the local swim team as well as to offer additional programming opportunities for residents. Natare Pools led the renovation, providing a new stainless-steel pool gutter system, a new vacuum sand filtration system, a bulkhead, and a RENOLIT PVC membrane that completely encapsulated the pool’s interior as the pool shell was in very poor condition. 

The renovation ultimately doubled the square footage of the pool and added a splash pad, zero-depth entry area, new decking, and a heater to lengthen the swim season, plus a moving bulkhead to allow competitive swimming and additional programming. The new aquatics components not only extended the life of the pool, but also saved the city time and money in annual maintenance.

The City of Globe Community Center Pool has been revitalized to its fullest potential and will welcome families and competitive swim teams for years to come.


OLC Architecture — Wellington Aquatic Complex

  • Facility Name: Wellington Aquatic Complex
  • City, State: Wellington, Fla.
  • Cost of Project: $28 million
  • Type of Facility: Aquatic Complex
  • Architectural Firm: OLC Architecture, Interiors and Aquatics
  • Lead Architect Name: Sam Elsheikh, CFO, AIA, LEED AP
  • Status: Under Construction
  • Square Footage: TBD
  • Number of Floors: 1

The Wellington Aquatic Center is a cutting-edge facility designed to serve both Village residents and surrounding communities. The center features two distinct pools tailored for competitive and recreational uses. The main competition pool is a 64-meter stretch with a bulkhead, ranging from a depth of 6’8” to 13’. It is equipped with a timing system, scoreboard, two water polo courts, and both 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards. The recreation pool offers a zero-depth entry with a play structure and spray features, a 2- to 3-foot open water play area with a basketball hoop, and a 6-lane, 25-yard multi-purpose pool for swim lessons, water exercises, and competition warm-ups. Additionally, it includes Florida’s first double-course Ninja Cross system. 

Supporting facilities include a 7,500-square-foot, air-conditioned pool house with a concession stand, party room, locker rooms, family changing rooms, and administrative spaces. The site also offers a covered drop-off area, shaded concession zones, a separate equipment yard, extensive deck space, shade structures, spectator seating, umbrellas, rental cabanas, and parking for vehicles, buses, and bicycles.