Aquatic Design Group Fall 2025 Tradeshows

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Conference: November 5-8, 2025 | Expo: November 6-7, 2025 

Who will we see at the 2025 Athletic Business Show - right here in our backyard of San Diego?! From pre-conference tours to featured sessions, we’re involved every step of the way!

🔹 Find us at Booth #1625 in the heart of the expo – come say hello!
🔹 Proud Aquatic Track Seminars Sponsor

Participating in TWO pre-conference tours:

Tour A: Featuring the ADG-designed Coronado Island Recreation & Aquatics Center

Tour C: Aquatics Tour featuring THREE ADG-designed facilities

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PRESENTING FOUR EXPERT-LED SESSIONS:

Navigating Choppy Waters: Effective Budget Management in Athletic Facility Design and Construction with Justin Caron
Thursday, November 6, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Pool Ops IRL: Hot Takes from The Experts with Dennis Berkshire
Thursday, November 6, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Maximizing Safety and Efficiency in Hydrotherapy Pool Design with Justin Caron
Friday, November 7, 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Wet or Dry or Both? A Needs- and Economics-Based Planning Approach to Designing Aquatics and/or Indoor Recreation Centers with Justin Caron
Friday, November 7, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

If you’re attending, let’s connect! Our office is just up the road in Carlsbad — drop by or reach out to schedule a visit. 

📆 Get the full schedule here.

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marrioTt oceanfront | virginia beach, va

November 5-7, 2025

Look out for our Senior Marketing Specialist, Ellen Fohl, at the 2025 Surf Park Summit, right in HER backyard in Virginia Beach, VA. Let’s connect and check out the newly-opened Atlantic Park!

📆 Learn more here.

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ARIA | Prospect, ct

November 4, 2025

Look for Michael Mancini at the CSBGA 2025 Vendor Day Expo at Aria in Prospect, CT. The education program runs from 8:30 - 9:30am, and the Vendor Show is open from 9:30am - 1:30pm, giving you plenty of time to catch up! 

📆 Learn more here.

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Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) | Orlando, FL

Conference: November 17 – 20, 2025 | Expo: November 18 – 21, 2025

Catch Justin Caron on the expo floor at IAAPA 2025 - reach out and let’s connect.

📆 Learn more here.

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las vegas convention center north hall | las vegas, nv

October 22-24, 2025

Aquatic Design Group will be represented by Michelle Gable and Stephanie Fujimura at the 2025 International Pool / Spa / Patio Expo and Conference, sponsored by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. Catch them on the expo floor, attending sessions, and accepting awards! 

📆 Learn more here.

See you there!

Aquatic Design Group honored by ENR West California & Nevada & AIA Orange County

Three Aquatic Design Group projects were recently selected for the ENR West California and Nevada 2025 Regional Best Projects Awards Competition and honored by AIA Orange County. Congratulations to all involved!

Francis Parker High School Outdoor Pool

San Diego, California

ENR West California & Nevada 2025 Regional Best Project Award of Merit - K-12 Education

Aquatic Design Group provided design and engineering services for a 25-meter x 25-yard competition pool featuring a dedicated shallow area and expansive pool decks. As the centerpiece of the new Vassiliadis Athletic Center at Francis Parker High School, the 7,350 SF heated multi-purpose pool is designed to support both competitive training and recreational use. Nestled behind the Student Life Center and Field House designed by Gensler, the Aquatic Center offers a versatile aquatic environment that enhances student life while complementing a broader 30,000 SF campus expansion at the prestigious private school.

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Moana Springs Community Aquatics and Fitness Center

Reno, NV

ENR West California & Nevada 2025 Regional Best Project Award of Merit - Sports/Entertainment

Alongside our partners at Van Woert Bigotti Architects, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation for the new Moana Springs Aquatic Center, including a 50-meter competition pool, offering 10 lanes for lap swimming, along with one- and three-meter diving boards, and a recreational pool with a lazy river, splash features, and a zero-depth entry. An outdoor soaking pool, maintained at temperatures in the high 90s, provides a tranquil, spa-like environment, taking the site back to its original roots as a resort and natural hot springs, then later a beloved community pool. Following its closure in 2007, a 17-year grassroots movement to restore the region’s aquatic resources provided the planning, advocacy, and collaboration with the City of Reno necessary to open this expansive new facility in August 2024. This 52,000 SF facility also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms and restrooms, and a mother’s lounge. Thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, the center incorporates infrastructure for solar and geothermal energy utilization, preserves the area's historic tree canopy, and includes EV charging stations. This long-anticipated project is poised to serve as a crown jewel for aquatics in the Truckee Meadows for years to come.

This project has also been selected for numerous other industry awards, including but not limited to the 2025 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio.

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Santa Ana Memorial Park Master Plan and Aquatic Center

Santa Ana, CA

AIA Orange County 2025 Design Award of Merit

Aquatic Design Group is proud to contribute our design, engineering, and construction observation services for this transformative project — including the replacement of the existing 50-meter pool with a new multi-purpose recreation pool and updated decks and drainage. We look forward to seeing the $30M first phase come to life and the lasting impact this facility will have on the Santa Ana community. Congratulations to our partners at the City of Santa Ana and ELS Architecture and Urban Design + SWA Group.

Aquatic Design Group honored by the Pool & Hot Tub Association (PHTA)

Two Aquatic Design Group projects were recently selected for the 2025 Pool and Hot Tub Association Awards of Excellence. Congratulations to all involved!

Waukee Community School District Natatorium

Waukee, Iowa

Serving not one but two large high schools in the Waukee Community School District as well as the local community, this 50-meter-stretch x 25-yard competition pool can support two full 25-yard competitions simultaneously, and the additional warm-up/teaching pool, abundant natural light, and intentional flow of movement through the competition and spectator spaces come together to provide a quality competition and community space for Iowa's fastest-growing school district. Working alongside RDG Planning & Design, Aquatic Design Group is proud to have provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for this state-of-the-art natatorium. This project was also selected for the 2025 Aquatics International Dream Designs, 2024 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio, and the 2025 Athletic Business Architectural Showcase.

Learn more here.

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One River North Apartments Rooftop Pool & Spa

Denver, CA

Alongside the team at Davis Partnership Architects, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for a rooftop swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, and balcony water feature that are part of a new mixed-use residential development project in Denver, CO. The unique, curved design was inspired by the natural landscape of the surrounding area. The project consists of 250,000 SF of residential, retail, and office spaces. Several sustainable features were integrated into the project, including: 30% reduction in energy consumption; 40% water savings through efficient fixtures; 75% of construction materials sourced locally; and electric vehicle charging stations and bike storage. LEED Gold Certification and WELL Building Standard were accomplished due to the sustainable features integrated into the project.

This project has also been selected for numerous other industry awards, including but not limited to:

• OPAL Awards: Named Property Development of the Year in 2024 for its excellence in design and development. 

• Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards: Recognized as a finalist in the Architectural Design and Design/Make categories for 2025, celebrating its innovative design and construction. 

• Dezeen Awards: Named among the top ten architecture projects in the United States for 2024. 

• Engineering News-Record (ENR): Earned an Award of Merit 2024 for Residential/Hospitality projects. 

View the digital edition here.

Aquatic Design Group featured in Aquatics International Magazine's 2025 Dream Designs!

Two Aquatic Design Group projects are included in the 2025 Aquatics International Magazine Dream Designs, featured in the July 2025 Issue! Click here to view the digital edition. Congratulations to all involved!

Waukee Community School District Natatorium

Waukee, Iowa

The awards are stacking up for Waukee CSD!! Serving not one but two large high schools in the Waukee Community School District as well as the local community, this 50-meter-stretch x 25-yard competition pool can support two full 25-yard competitions simultaneously, and the additional warm-up/teaching pool, abundant natural light, and intentional flow of movement through the competition and spectator spaces come together to provide a quality competition and community space for Iowa's fastest-growing school district. Working alongside RDG Planning & Design, Aquatic Design Group is proud to have provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for this state-of-the-art natatorium. This project was also selected for the 2024 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio, the 2025 Athletic Business Architectural Showcase, and a 2025 PHTA Award of Excellence.

Learn more here.

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West hollywood Recreation and Aquatic Center

west hollywood, ca

Alongside our partners at LPA Design Studios, Aquatic Design Group provided planning, design, engineering, and construction observation service for the new West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC). This strategically configured LEED Gold Certified facility anchors West Hollywood Park, and boasts a unique stacked design featuring two rooftop Myrtha pools – one competition, one recreation - that span above a gymnasium, offering panoramic views of West Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles. Its innovative design, including a bold exterior grand stair connecting the park level to the aquatic center level, offers not just fitness but a venue for gatherings and community events.

In order to provide support for the pools and enhance the utilization of the space on the lower level, engineers implemented a two-way truss system for the suspension of the two pools above the multisport gym, thereby removing the need for structural columns. As the final phase of an important park and community building masterplan and situated in diverse West Hollywood, the facility truly enhances community recreation and aquatics while preserving precious park space in a bustling urban environment.

This project has also been selected for numerous other industry awards, including but not limited to:

• American Public Works Association (APWA) Southern California Chapter 2022 Project of the Year Award in the Buildings category

• American Institute of Architects Orange County Chapter: The Honors Award for commercial design; and a C.O.T.E. Award, for resiliency and sustainability in design.

• 2023 Athletic Business Facility of Merit and Architectural Showcase.

Learn more here.

Aquatic Design Group featured in Athletic Business Magazine's 2025 Architectural Showcase!

Four Aquatic Design Group projects are featured in the 38th Annual Athletic Business Magazine Architectural Showcase, featured in the June 2025 Issue! Click here to view the digital edition. Congratulations to all involved!

Waukee Community School District Natatorium

Waukee, Iowa

Serving not one but two large high schools in the Waukee Community School District as well as the local community, this 50-meter-stretch x 25-yard competition pool can support two full 25-yard competitions simultaneously, and the additional warm-up/teaching pool, abundant natural light, and intentional flow of movement through the competition and spectator spaces come together to provide a quality competition and community space for Iowa's fastest-growing school district. Working alongside RDG Planning & Design, Aquatic Design Group is proud to have provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for this state-of-the-art natatorium. This project was also selected for the 2024 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio.

Learn more here.

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The Teton County/Jackson Community Recreation Center Expansion

Jackson, WYoming

Alongside our partners at Perkins & Will, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for the new outdoor splash pad at the Teton County/Jackson Community Recreation Center—part of a $35.3 million expansion aimed at delivering inclusive, year-round recreation for the Jackson Hole community.

Nestled in a region known for its rugged landscapes and active lifestyle, the splash pad was thoughtfully integrated into the expanded facility to support multigenerational play, promote outdoor activity, and complement the center’s broader health and wellness mission. Designed with accessibility, safety, and user engagement in mind, the splash pad enhances warm-weather programming and offers a dynamic, family-friendly water play environment.

Aquatic Design Group collaborated closely with the design team and community stakeholders throughout the project’s planning and execution. Services included system and layout recommendations, specification of materials and features, and oversight during construction to ensure a high-quality, durable installation. The splash pad adds an interactive aquatic component to a facility recognized with a 2024 ENR Mountain States Merit Award in the Government/Public Building Category, and celebrated for its bold design and community impact.

Learn more here.

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Lawrenceville School Tsai Commons & Field House

Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Aquatic Design Group, working along our partners at Sasaki, provided full aquatic design, engineering, and construction administration services for a new competition pool at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. As part of the school’s new Tsai Commons and Field House, this modern aquatic facility features a 10-lane by 25-yard deep gutter swimming pool with a Vario movable floor system, offering unmatched flexibility for both competitive and instructional programming.

Designed to support a wide range of programming—from competitive swimming and water polo to physical education and learn-to-swim classes—the movable floor allows for adjustable water depth, maximizing flexibility and student use. The deep gutter design enhances water quality and minimizes wave reflection, providing optimal conditions for training and competition.

The swimming pool is a key component of the larger 253,000-square-foot wellness and athletics complex that includes a dining hall, fitness center, basketball courts, and an ice rink. The pool venue is carefully situated below grade, with a spectator concourse above that offers expansive views into the facility. Architectural details like curved ceiling profiles and clerestory windows bring natural light into the space and maintain a cohesive visual connection with the school’s historic campus.

Aquatic Design Group collaborated closely with the project team from concept through completion, delivering a high-performance aquatic environment that meets the needs of today’s student-athletes and supports Lawrenceville’s broader vision of community, wellness, and excellence.

The building was also highlighted in Season 2 of America ByDesign, a design-documentary review series, which explored the thoughtful merging of whole-community programming and architecture.

Learn more here.

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Health and Wellbeing Building Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Campus

WEST DEs Moines, IOWA

Aquatic Design Group provided consulting services for the indoor activity pool at Des Moines University’s Health & Wellbeing Building—a facility designed to support holistic health, wellness, and movement on campus.

Working closely with our partners at RDG Planning & Design, Aquatic Design Group assisted with program verification and schematic design, reviewing a range of activity pool options to align with the building’s fitness, recreation, and aquatic therapy goals. The team evaluated key factors such as water temperature, depth, and user needs to support a diverse range of activities, from low-impact exercise to rehabilitation.

Services included recommendations on structural systems, finishes, and materials, as well as technical guidance throughout design development, bidding, and construction observation phases. The resulting activity pool is a versatile aquatic environment that enhances the building’s mission to promote physical and mental wellness for students, staff, and healthcare professionals alike.

Learn more here.

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Aquatic Design Group 2025 Tradeshows Update

Ready to learn more about K-12 aquatics? Visit Aquatic Design Group's Dennis Berkshire, Scott Palmer, and Stephanie Fujimura in Booth No. 1418 at the California Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) 46th Annual Conference on School Facilities at the Palm Springs Convention Center! With hundreds of California K-12 projects under our belts in the last 40 years, we're ready to bring your school's dream pool to reality.

📆 Learn more here.

Visit Justin Caron and the Aquatic Design Group team in Booth No. 821 at the California Park & Recreation Society 2025 Annual Conference and Expo, March 18-21 in the lovely City of Sacramento!

📆 View the Floor Plan here.

Love mid-Century modern, but not when it comes to your community pool? Check out Michael Mancini's session at the 2025 Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Conference with Robert Marcalow, AIA, NCARB from Kuth Ranieri Architects and Samuel G. White from the Town of Norwood (MA) on REVIVING ICONS: The Path to Renovating and Replacing Mid-Century Municipal Pools.

📍 Norwood, MA
📆 Friday, March 21, 2025
⌚ 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

📆 Get the full schedule here.

Don't miss Justin Caron’s return to Florida, speaking about Hydrotherapy at NIRSA 2025 in sunny Orlando, April 23-26!

Maximizing Safety and Efficiency in Hydrotherapy Pool Design
Session Time TBD!

📆 Learn more here.

CATCH US IF YOU CAN!

Aquatic Design Group featured in Athletic Business Magazine's 2025 Aquatic Design Portfolio!

Six Aquatic Design Group projects are featured in the Winter issue of Athletic Business Magazine, including on the cover! Click here to view the digital edition. Congratulations to all involved!

Waukee Community School District Natatorium

Waukee, Iowa

View fullsize

Serving not one but two large high schools as well as the local Waukee community, this 50-meter-stretch x 25-yard competition pool can support two full 25-yard competitions simultaneously, and the additional warm-up/teaching pool, abundant natural light, and intentional flow of movement through the competition and spectator spaces come together to provide a quality competition and community space for Iowa's fastest-growing school district. Working alongside RDG Planning & Design, Aquatic Design Group is proud to have provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for this state-of-the-art natatorium.

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Rogue Credit Union Community and Events Complex (Rogue X)

Medford, Oregon

The Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, affectionately known as RogueX, boasts an impressive array of aquatic amenities catering to individuals and families alike. Working alongside Perkins & Will, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for the sprawling aquatics complex, which hosts a 13-lane indoor competition pool, the largest in the region, and caters to high school and club swimming and water polo events. Complementing this is a 6,000-square-foot recreational pool featuring interactive play structures and two water slides - a 96-ft speed slide and a 175-ft corkscrew slide that even extends outside the building, a lazy river, and a circular vortex, as well as an outdoor spray ground.

Central to its design are features aimed at providing both recreational enjoyment and educational opportunities. RogueX heavily prioritizes swimming lessons and water safety classes, which are particularly crucial in a region abundant with open water such as rivers and lakes. The expansive competitive pool is home to high school and club swimming and water polo teams and events. Beyond aquatics, Rogue X offers over 75,000 square feet of flexible event space, accommodating various activities from sports tournaments to trade shows. The multi-purpose event center can host up to eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts.

This project has also been recognized with a 2024 Design & Construction Award from the Oregon Recreation & Park Society and a 2024 Gold Award of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

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Mar VIsta High School

Imperial Beach, California

Working alongside Delawie, Aquatic Design Group provided comprehensive design, engineering, and construction observation services for the Mar Vista High School Aquatic Center with a primary focus on the deep gutter competition pool, including pool decks and deck drainage. The project aimed at modernizing and enhancing the existing facilities, including a 62-meter outdoor pool with 21 swim lanes, three teaching lanes, and bleachers capable of seating up to 400 spectators. The project also included a 10,000 SF aquatics support building with dual-use restrooms and concessions, pool covers and mechanical reels, exterior rinse stations and lockers, outdoor showers, and a cutting-edge digital audio-visual display with an AV scoreboard and timing display. With a focus on education, swimming, and training room programs, the design-build project involved meticulous planning and execution over four years. The project not only meets the immediate needs of the school but, as the current largest high school pool in Southern California, also positions the aquatics center as a dynamic venue for various community-wide activities.

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Moana Springs Community Aquatics & Fitness Center

Reno, Nevada

The Moana Springs Aquatic Center site is steeped in local history, having once been home to a resort and natural hot springs, then later a beloved community pool. Following its closure in 2007, a 17-year grassroots movement to restore the region’s aquatic resources provided the planning, advocacy, and collaboration with the City of Reno and subsequently the Van Woert Bigotti Architects and Aquatic Design Group team necessary to open this expansive new facility in August 2024. At its core is a 50-meter competition pool, offering ten lanes for 50-meter lap swimming or 19 lanes of 25-yard swimming, along with one and three-meter diving boards, and a recreational pool with a lazy river, splash features, and a zero-depth entry. An outdoor soaking pool, maintained at temperatures in the high 90s, provides a tranquil, spa-like environment taking the site back to its original roots.

This 52,000 SF facility also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms and restrooms, and a mother’s lounge. Thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, the center incorporates infrastructure for solar and geothermal energy utilization, preserves the area's historic tree canopy, and includes EV charging stations. This long-anticipated project is poised to serve as a crown jewel for aquatics in the Truckee Meadows for years to come.

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Buckland Recreation Area Swimming Pool Replacement

Buckland, Massachusetts

The replaced Buckland Recreation Area Swimming Pool integrates sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. Kuth Ranieri Architects and Aquatic Design Group worked with the community to design the pool as a central resource, fostering intergenerational engagement, wellness, and inclusivity. The pool offers multiple access points, an extended shallow plateau for early childhood water activities, and a sloped entry to enhance inclusivity. The facility includes a reception area, restrooms, indoor and outdoor changing rooms, first aid, staff areas, outdoor showers, and storage spaces. Centrally located within a park, playground, and rustic natural setting, the pool is fully and easily accessible within walking distance of a cluster of public recreational resources. The project's planning maximizes the synergy between the built and natural environment. The angled design complements the natural terrain, orienting the site toward scenic views of a nearby stream. Sustainability features include deep eaves for shading, natural daylighting and ventilation, and a roof designed for photovoltaic panels to achieve NetZero energy use. The project emphasizes durability with locally sourced materials and labor to reduce its carbon footprint. Community input deeply shaped the planning, ensuring the pool meets both individual and group needs.  It serves as a model of how small communities can create sustainable, equitable, and resilient recreational spaces within modest budgets.

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Washington Community Swim Center

Sunnyvale, California

Working alongside DAHLIN Architecture, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for the transformation of the Washington Community Swim Center, a cherished facility in the City of Sunnyvale, into a state-of-the-art aquatic complex. The new facility features an all-purpose recreation pool with a deck-level gutter system and a 1,500 SF children's wet play area, complete with interactive water play features.

Aligning with community needs, the focus of the Washington Community Swim Center project was on the recreational aspects of swimming, water play, swim lessons, and therapeutic uses. The design team ensured universal accessibility and programming, incorporating features such as a zero-depth entry, an accessible spray ground, and additional gender-neutral and family restrooms. The facility also includes a family observation area, a multipurpose room for training and events, a lifeguard control room, and staffing and registration areas.

The award-winning project, recognized with the 2022 APWA Silicon Valley Project of the Year Award and the 2022 Gold Nugget Merit Award for Best Recreational Use Facility, showcased exceptional design and functionality. The installation of a photovoltaic system to offset energy costs for year-round pool maintenance and the integration of public art, with a theme inspired by the community's choice to retain the "Under the Sea" theme of the original facility further enhances the facility's appeal.

Happy Holidays from Aquatic Design Group!

As we dive into the holiday season, it's time to reflect on 2024, commemorating Aquatic Design Group's 40th Anniversary!

From competition to relaxation, to therapy, recovery, and wellness, and family fun for everyone; to 12 opportunities to share our expertise, 17 industry awards, and 348 projects in 25 states and five countries in 2024 - we're proud of what we've accomplished together with partners like you!

Our office will be closed starting at noon PST on Tuesday, December 24, and we will resume operations on Thursday, January 2. We look forward to returning rested, refueled, and ready to take on 2025 with the same unwavering passion that has fueled our commitment over the last four decades.

Wishing you a joyous holiday and a bright 2025 from your friends at Aquatic Design Group!

Aquatic Design Group honored by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Three Aquatic Design Group projects are featured as Award of Excellence winners in the October issue of AQUA Magazine by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Congratulations to all involved!

Gold Award Winners

Rogue Credit Union Community and Events Complex (Rogue X)

Medford, Oregon

The Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, affectionately known as RogueX, boasts an impressive array of aquatic amenities catering to individuals and families alike. Working alongside Perkins & Will, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for the sprawling aquatics complex, which hosts a 13-lane indoor competition pool, the largest in the region, and caters to high school and club swimming and water polo events. Complementing this is a 6,000-square-foot recreational pool featuring interactive play structures and two water slides - a 96-ft speed slide and a 175-ft corkscrew slide that even extends outside the building, a lazy river, and a circular vortex, as well as an outdoor spray ground.

Central to its design are features aimed at providing both recreational enjoyment and educational opportunities. RogueX heavily prioritizes swimming lessons and water safety classes, which are particularly crucial in a region abundant with open water such as rivers and lakes. The expansive competitive pool is home to high school and club swimming and water polo teams and events.

Beyond aquatics, Rogue X offers over 75,000 square feet of flexible event space, accommodating various activities from sports tournaments to trade shows. The multi-purpose event center can host up to eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts.

Click here to view the digital issue.

Echo Hollow Pool Replacement

Eugene, Oregon

The Echo Hollow pool was originally built as an indoor/outdoor aquatic center in 1969. It featured an operable bulkhead which could raise to create two separate tanks, or lower to create one larger contiguous tank. When raised, a sliding wall system would be locked in place on top of the bulkhead to enclose one of the two tanks, leaving the other uncovered outside. After decades of operation, the entire facility was due for several improvements due to its aging infrastructure, plumbing concerns, outdated design, energy inefficiency, and the need for an overall facelift. The community expressed a need for play areas for young children, increased ADA accessibility, and more lap lanes to provide increased programming and user capacity.

Working alongside local architecture firm Robertson Sherwood Architects, Aquatic Design Group provided programming and planning including context assessment and verification, program analysis / program confirmation, and program development / budget analysis, as well as full design, engineering, and construction administration services for the renovation of the aquatics complex.  Five different options were considered to accomplish the unique challenge of separating the existing indoor-outdoor, six-lane x 50-meter pool.  The selected option included converting the existing pool to a six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool with an added ADA access ramp, and two new diving springboards. A 25-yard by 25-meter outdoor pool was added for increased flexibility in programming. A sliding wall system allows one pool to be enclosed in cold or inclement weather. An outdoor activity pool was also added that includes a zero-depth entry, wet play elements, two additional shallow 25-yard swim lanes for lessons and therapy programs, water basketball, and a 19-foot-tall, 134-foot-long water slide. 

The aquatic facility support spaces were also upgraded during this renovation, including an attractive entrance and lobby, new locker and changing rooms with more private showers, and a spacious new family changing area, an additional 1,300 SF of staff office space, and an updated fitness area.  Modern and unique theming and colors throughout provide an inviting and exciting aquatic experience and add the finishing touches to this state-of-the-art facility.

Constructed to LEED Silver standards, the innovative design significantly reduced carbon emissions through the use of a highly efficient electric heat pump system designed by Systems West Engineers, indoor and underwater LED lighting, and a 167-panel solar array on the roof. This has been a huge step forward in meeting energy reduction goals for the City, as Echo Hollow Pool was previously one of the City’s highest energy-using buildings.

View the digital issue or click here to read more.

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Merit Award Winner

James A. Leach Aquatic and Recreation Center

Hoke County, NC

The SfL+a Team, including Aquatic Design Group, provided design, engineering, and construction services for the 55,000-square-foot James A. Leach Aquatic and Recreation Center, located west of Fayetteville in Hoke County, North Carolina. Built to serve not only the residents of Hoke County but also the surrounding regions, the center offers aquatic elements designed to cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels. The natatorium features an eight-lane, 25-yard competition swimming pool that also accommodates an inflatable obstacle course. Adjacent to this is a separate recreation pool with a zero-entry ramp, spray features, and two exercise swimming lanes. A dynamic water slide extends outside and back into the pool area, and the second floor offers an accessible spectator seating area accommodating up to 200 individuals. Additionally, features such as the zero-entry ramp and spray features enhance accessibility and inclusivity, accommodating individuals with varying abilities. The design prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency, incorporating LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs. Full-height glass walls flood the interior with natural light and offer unobstructed views of the picturesque surroundings.

The thoughtfully designed recreation center also includes a state-of-the-art gymnasium, six versatile multi-purpose rooms (including two adjacent to the swimming pools for event hosting), a concession stand, locker rooms, and administrative offices for the Hoke County Parks and Recreation Department.

Click here to view the award winners.