As the holidays approach, we’re reflecting on a year filled with collaboration, creativity, and shared success.
From high-performance competition spaces where athletes train, compete, and excel, to spaces for wellness and recovery, places for family fun, and bringing communities together, to sharing what we know and collaborating with valued partners, and 20 industry awards - we're proud of what we've accomplished together with partners like you!
Our office will be closed starting at noon PST on Wednesday, December 24, and we will resume operations on Monday, January 5, 2026. We look forward to returning rested, refueled, and ready to take on 2026 with the same unwavering passion that has fueled our commitment over more than four decades.
Wishing you a joyous holiday and a bright 2026 from your friends at Aquatic Design Group!
Aquatic Design Group honored by AIA East Bay!
Three Aquatic Design Group projects were recently honored by AIA East Bay. Congratulations to all involved!
college of marin miwok aquatic center
indian valley, California
AIA East Bay 2025 Design Awards Honorable Mention
Alongside our partners at ELS Architecture and Urban Design, Aquatic Design Group provided design and engineering services for a new 50-meter deep gutter competition pool, new six-lane x 25-yard rim flow warm-up pool, dive pool, and dive tower for the College of Marin Miwok Center. The pools were designed for joint use and programming by the College of Marin as well as the surrounding community for aquatics classes, swim team practices and meets, and camps. The new state-of-the-art campus recreation and wellness center also includes a gymnasium and cardio, group fitness, and weight lifting area as well as classrooms, locker rooms, administrative and staff spaces, and indoor/outdoor workout studios. Designed to be LEED Platinum-equivalent, the facility incorporates several energy-saving measures, such as utilizing pool covers and reusing the water from the pool backwash process to irrigate the campus quad lawn.
The Miwok Center has also received the 2024 Award of Excellence – Specialized Facility, Community College Facilities Coalition, as well as the 2024 Merit Award for Education, Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada, and was featured in the 2024 Athletic Business Magazine Aquatic Design Portfolio.
Santa Ana Memorial Park Master Plan and Aquatic Center
Santa Ana, CA
AIA East Bay 2025 Citation Award
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.
rengstorff aquatic center
mountain view, ca
AIA East Bay 2025 Citation Award
Alongside our partners at ELS Architecture and Urban Design, Aquatic Design Group provided design, engineering, and construction observation services for Schematic Design through Construction Administration phases for the replacement of the Rengstorff Aquatic Center, which was not meeting the needs of a modern municipal aquatics program and had reached the end of its useful life.
The City of Mountain View chose to design and build its new Rengstorff Aquatic Center in compliance with the city-mandated zero fossil fuel appliances ordinance. This meant the buildings, domestic water, and swimming pool water had to be heated from all electric sources. The Rengstorff Aquatic Center is the first all-electric outdoor municipal aquatic center in the state of California. The facility features a 25-meter by 25-yard swimming pool and a 4,600 square foot activity pool featuring a beach entry, interactive play area, lap and fitness area, and a water slide.
To accomplish this, the project engineers have turned to a multi-pronged electric heating approach. The entire facility is being heated with electric air-to-water exchange heat pumps and PVT, photo-voltaic thermal combination solar panels. The system is sized for the electric heat pumps to provide 60% of the heat load required for the building, showers, and swimming pool water heaters.
The solar panels are a new variety that incorporates both photovoltaic electrical generation and thermal heating of liquids. The solar panels will generate electricity for some of the load of the heat pumps. The thermal heating of the panels is connected to a series of heat exchangers, which are then connected to the heating of the building, heating of domestic water, and exchangers to heat each of the two swimming pools. Each heat load: building, domestic water, and swimming pools, is provided with a pair of heat exchangers, one for the electric chillers and one for the solar thermal heat. The system is expected to maintain typical temperatures for the building, domestic water, and program-related 82-degree water for the 25-meter pool and 85 to 86-degree water for the activity pool.
Aquatic Design Group featured in Recreation Management Magazine November 2025 Issue
In the recent article “On the Deck or In the Water” in Recreation Management's November 2025 issue, Aquatic Design Group Senior Project Manager Stephanie Fujimura dives into how strategic design elevates both the deck and the pool itself. From choosing the right slides and diving boards to ensuring flexible deck layouts, Steph emphasizes how safety, accessibility, and multi-use functionality must be built in from day one. She also underscores how smart design lays the foundation for future-proof aquatic spaces — whether it’s infrastructure for competition, lessons, or resort-style amenities.
Our sincere thanks goes out to our trusted partners who contributed their expert advice and experience to this article! The full text of the article is shared below with permission and can viewed in the original publication here.
Aquatic Design Group featured in Recreation Management Magazine September 2025 Issue
In the September 2025 issue of Recreation Magazine, Aquatic Design Group CEO Justin Caron and RDG Planning & Design's Brad Rodenburg AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP collaborated to elaborate on their journey of bringing decades of expertise to competitive aquatic facilities like the Waukee Community School District Natatorium — balancing elite performance features with inclusive community programming. From a 50-meter, all-deep competition pool with dual bulkheads and seven variable 25-yard widths, to oversized gutters, UV sanitation, remote water chemistry monitoring, and energy-efficient systems, every detail of this multiple-award-winning facility was engineered to deliver excellence and durability.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!