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.
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.
Aquatic Design Group 2024 - 2025 Tradeshows
Join Aquatic Design Group at key industry events this season! Meet Ellen Fohl and Michael Mancini at ASLA 2024 in Washington, DC (Booth #4248). Connect with CEO Justin Caron and Marketing Director Scott Palmer at the World Waterpark Association show in Las Vegas (Booth #619). Discover insights at the Athletic Business Show, Northern New England Recreation and Parks Association, and more.
Aquatic Design Group honored by AIA and ASLA
Aquatic Design Group is proud to present several projects that have received awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) so far in 2024. These accolades underscore our ability to envision and design aquatic experiences that redefine spaces and enhance community wellbeing. Each award-winning project reflects our dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, innovative design, and high quality work. We are honored to be recognized by such esteemed organizations and look forward to continuing our pursuit of exceptional aquatic environments.
asla san diego 2024 design awards
children’s park | San Diego, California
The revitalization of San Diego's iconic Children's Park has won the prestigious 2024 ASLA San Diego Chapter's President's Award! Congratulations to our partners at Spurlock Landscape Architects and Schmidt Design Group for their outstanding completion of this transformative project. The park has been reimagined into a vibrant, inclusive space that perfectly aligns with San Diego's Downtown Community Plan. The $9 million revitalization, completed in Fall 2023, includes enhancements to the Civic Pond, a new children's play area, picnic spots, exercise equipment, and much more. Our team is proud to have provided comprehensive design, engineering, and construction observation services for the pond and water features.
In addition to this honor, Children's Park has also received an Honor Award at the 2024 AIA San Diego and AIA Palomar Design Awards, as well as the San Diego and Imperial Counties 2024 APWA Honor Award. It's truly rewarding to see our collective efforts being recognized and celebrated, especially when it's right in our back yard! We look forward to seeing the positive impact this revitalized space will continue to have on our community.
To learn more, click here.
Grape day Park Master Plan Update | Escondido, California
The Master Plan Update of the City of Escondido's Grape Day Park has won a 2024 ASLA San Diego Chapter Honor Award! Congratulations to our partners at LPA, Inc. on all their hard work and coordination with officials, design partners, and most of all the community. Aquatic Design Group provided programming and master planning services for the City of Escondido to support efforts to redevelop the Jim Stone Memorial Pool located in Grape Day Park. Several alternatives have been developed to potentially include a competition pool with diving, warm up/recreational pool, water slides, and a splash pad. To learn more, click here.
2024 AIA Regional & Urban Design Award
the wharf dc | washington, dc
The AIA Regional & Urban Design Award celebrates excellence in urban design, regional and city planning, and community development. Congratulations to our partners at Perkins Eastman DC in collaboration with Hoffman-Madison Waterfront (Hoffman & Associates) on transforming a formerly underutilized area into a vibrant urban destination that has become a cornerstone of Washington, DC.
Aquatic Design Group is proud to have contributed to this visionary project by providing design, engineering, and construction observation services for a stunning glass-bottom and glass-sided plunge pool and hydrotherapy spa. These unique features are located above The Anthem concert venue, serving the Channel Residences and providing unparalleled waterfront views. Click here to learn more.
Congratulations to everyone involved!
Aquatic Design Group honored by Aquatics International Magazine
Two Aquatic Design Group projects are featured in the Aquatics International Magazine 2024 Dream Designs! These multi-award-winning projects reflect our ability to elevate and reimagine aging or outdated facilities to bring them new life for years to come. Congratulations to all involved.
Merriam Community Center
Merriam, Kansas
Aquatic Design Group provided design and engineering services for the development of a much-needed new community aquatic center in Merriam, Kansas. Merriam’s Aquatic Center was originally all-outdoors, outdated, and too large to economically sustain.
There was originally some debate among council members regarding the layout of the site, specifically the placement of the diving well, as well as concern from a group of residents over the smaller size of the new outdoor facilities and losing the oversized outdoor-only facility they had become accustomed to. The final designs of the new facility were revised and expanded to include literally something for everyone - from competition, to play, to therapy, and everything in between – both outdoors and indoors.
The new aquatics center includes a new indoor 2,800 SF leisure and lap pool (four-lane x 25-yards) with lazy river and slide, and a small indoor therapy pool. The 5,553 square foot indoor leisure pool features four 25-yard lanes, zero-depth entry, two water slides, ten interactive water play features and a lazy river current channel. One of the slides is a closed-flume body slide while the other slide is a simple ramp slide. The outdoor leisure pool features eight 25-meter lanes, two 1-meter springboard diving boards, a zero-depth beach entry, and five interactive water play features including a zipline. The outdoor leisure pool is surrounded by expansive decks and features shade structures, both great service amenities for special events.
Alongside partners Clark & Enersen and Perkins & Will, Aquatic Design Group included several exciting features in our design, including three air-activated "rapid simulator" depth charge bubblers on the lazy river in the indoor activity pool, activated by interactive features located on the pool deck. The facility prioritizes water quality and sustainability by incorporating advanced filtration and purification systems. High-rate sand filters with heat exchangers ensure optimal water clarity and cleanliness, while a PPG chemical feed system maintains the appropriate chemical balance for safe swimming experiences. These state-of-the-art technologies not only enhance the comfort and safety of patrons but also underscore the facility's commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
The aquatic center is only one part of a beautiful new 66,000 SF rec center on a seven-acre site in the heart of the Merriam community.
To learn more, click here.
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.
The renovation of the indoor pool added a zero-entry ramp and two new diving springboards. The outdoor portion of the original pool was demolished and replaced with a new 25-meter x 25-yard pool capable of hosting competitive swim meets and host water polo games as well as supporting one-meter and three-meter springboard diving. An 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.
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 described. The selected option included converting the existing pool to a six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool with an added ADA access ramp allowing people with disabilities to enter the pool more easily, 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.
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.
To learn more, click here.
Aquatic Design Group Spring 2024 Tradeshows
First, catch us at the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2024 Annual Conference in lovely Cambridge, MD! Don't miss two chances to hear from Aquatic Design Group's Michael Mancini on Wednesday, April 10. We're looking forward to connecting with friends new and old to bring your aquatic project to life!
📆 View the conference schedule here: https://mdrpa.org/conference-schedule/
Next up is NIRSA2024!! Don't miss Justin Caron moderating an informative panel on Creating Thriving Aquatic Programs with Eric Knight, Principal of Chloramine Consulting; Katy Locke, Assistant Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and Gwen Schlotte, Vice President of Life Floor. See you in Phoenix!
📆 Learn more here: https://www.nirsa.net/conference/nirsa-2024-phoenix/schedule/sessions-overview/
Lastly we're looking forward to reconnecting with our friends in the PNW and making new ones at the Washington Recreation and Parks Association conference in Vancouver this week! Don't miss Justin Caron's session, Truly Inclusive Aquatics, on May 22 at 1:30 PM.
📆 Find out more here: https://wrpa.memberclicks.net/2024-conference-block-2#TwoC
See you there!
'Designing Modern Aquatic Centers' published in Parks and Recreation Magazine
Pools and aquatics centers are continuing to move away from the rectangular, six- or eight-lane design and function of the past. This transition is happening even faster than anticipated by industry experts, as park and recreation agencies operating pools find themselves needing to generate more revenue to continue recovering from the financial hardships brought on by the recent pandemic, combined with rising staff costs and changed expectations with regard to subsidizing aquatics. Many also took a hard look at their aquatics facilities during the downtime the pandemic provided and came to the realization that their tired aquatics facilities needed significant renovation or even replacement. To revamp an existing aquatics facility or in planning for a new aquatics facility, park and recreation professionals are turning to the variety of popular special features that can multiply the number and variety of users, revenue and fun at pools.
Aquatic Design Group Celebrates 40 Years!
What happens when two friends strike out on their own to start a company? They work hard, have fun, and grow into one of the largest and most successful aquatic architecture and engineering firms in the country over the next 40 years.
Since its inception, Aquatic Design Group has been at the forefront of creating waves of innovation in aquatic design and engineering. From its humble beginnings with a recreation facility for the City of Bellflower, California, the firm has expanded its footprint, diving into diverse markets such as educational facilities, decorative water features, hotels and resorts, athletic training facilities, wave and surf parks, and competitive venues worldwide.
The legacy of Aquatic Design Group is deeply rooted in the vision of its founders, Scott Ferrell, AIA, a second-generation pool designer, and Randy Mendioroz, a visionary leader in waterpark amenities and construction, who established the firm in 1984 with a commitment to producing impeccable architectural and engineering documents for waterparks and aquatic facilities.
A member of the World Waterpark Association’s Hall of Fame, Randy Mendioroz's sudden passing in 2013 was mourned throughout the aquatics industry, but his pioneering leadership continues to shape the industry today. His unique approach facilitated the integration of private-sector waterpark amenities into public-sector aquatic centers, aiding in operational and financial sustainability and enhancing user experiences.
Scott Ferrell, AIA, assumed firm leadership following Randy's passing and continued to steer Aquatic Design Group to new heights. Under his guidance, the firm expanded into new markets, including surf parks and collegiate and professional athletic training and recovery facilities. Scott's unwavering commitment to "Family First" and his dedication to excellence have been driving forces behind the firm's success.
Scott passes his work ethic as well as his talent for design on to his son, Greg Ferrell, AIA, Vice President and Principal Architect. "We invite you to join us as we commemorate forty years of accomplishment and ingenuity in aquatics projects around the globe," said Ferrell. “As we share our favorite projects and collaborations over this coming year, I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude to our valued clients, partners, staff, and cherished friends and family for forty extraordinary years of partnership and delivering unforgettable aquatic experiences."
Fellow Firm Principals Justin Caron, MBA, CEO and Dennis Berkshire, AFO, CFO, President continue to lead the firm into a promising future ahead. Both regularly present educational sessions sharing their knowledge around the country at regional, national, and international conferences. Berkshire is one of the leading experts in shaping the future of the industry through his involvement on boards and standards committees. Caron continues to honor Mendioroz’s passion and position the firm to be forward focused and on creating experiences that are centered around each individual project, and not cookie cutter designs.
The success of Aquatic Design Group is not dependent on the principals, however, as the firm continues to grow around a core staff with an average tenure of over 12 years. “Our employees are the reason that Aquatic Design Group is recognized as a leader in the industry and is so well regarded. Every single member of our team is outstanding at what they do” Caron says. “Their level of expertise, passion for aquatics, and the fact that they’re all amazing people allows us to take on more work, produce at such a high level, and create unbelievable places where people relax, play, chase their dreams, recover, and recreate.”
Over the past four decades, Aquatic Design Group has completed over 3,500 projects in 47 states and 32 countries, setting the standard for quality swimming pool and water feature design and consulting services within the aquatics industry. Notable projects include iconic landmarks such as the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, South Africa, and the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
The journey continues as Aquatic Design Group looks forward to building upon its solid foundation and shaping the future of aquatic design and engineering for the next 40+ years.
Happy Holidays from Aquatic Design Group!
As 2023 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the beauty of the season and the incredible projects that made waves this year - all 348 projects in 30+ states and six countries in 2023!
Our office will be closed starting at noon PST today, Friday, December 22, and we will resume operations on Tuesday, January 2. We look forward to celebrating our 40th Anniversary in 2024 and approaching the next 40 years with the same unwavering passion that has fueled our commitment over the last four decades.
Wishing you a joyous holiday and a bright 2024 from your friends at Aquatic Design Group!
Employee Spotlight: Michelle Gable
At Aquatic Design Group, we want to recognize that we’re more than just a company, we’re people - dedicated professionals with a passion for what we do. In our ongoing Employee Spotlight series, we’ll introduce our team members and all the awesome things we’re doing as individuals as well as together as a firm.
In honor of water safety month, Aquatic Design Group’s next Employee Spotlight is Michelle Gable. Over her 17+ years in the aquatics industry, Michelle has trained over 800 individuals in a variety of aquatics and first responder certifications and has served in management and operational roles for both competitive and recreational aquatics programs. Michelle brings a passion for aquatics and a lifetime of experience from a childhood love of water to competitive swimmer, lifeguard, teacher, operator, director, and now project manager that is truly an asset to our firm.
