Fort Scott Aquatic Center Earns Dream Designs Title
Built from scratch on the site of a 1930s-era WPA swimming pool, this new complex brings in amenities for all ages while retaining the aesthetic that brought pride to generations of local residents.
The team sought a design that could accommodate citizens of all …
The team sought a design that could accommodate citizens of all ages. Interactive features are placed in the generously sized zero-depth entry to appeal to toddlers, while water slides, a floatable walk and diving board bring in the pre-teens and teenagers. A large recreational space with shaded water bench gives adults the chance to relax while watching their children. An eight-lane, 25-yard pool with ample decking plays host to weekly swim competitions.
Dave Gleiter, Visual Horizons
Though this facility is a new build, it was placed on the site o…
Though this facility is a new build, it was placed on the site of an historic Work Projects Administration facility built in 1936. The city and design team honored the history of the civic icon by fashioning the buildings and surrounding areas to mimic the original aesthetic. For instance, they restored the brick seating area, preserved the original design of the terraced seating and maintained the facility’s dramatic backdrop.
The team sought a design that could accommodate citizens of all ages. Interactive features are placed in the generously sized zero-depth entry to appeal to toddlers, while water slides, a floatable walk and diving board bring in the pre-teens and teenagers. A large recreational space with shaded water bench gives adults the chance to relax while watching their children. An eight-lane, 25-yard pool with ample decking plays host to weekly swim competitions.
Though this facility is a new build, it was placed on the site of an historic Work Projects Administration facility built in 1936. The city and design team honored the history of the civic icon by fashioning the buildings and surrounding areas to mimic the original aesthetic. For instance, they restored the brick seating area, preserved the original design of the terraced seating and maintained the facility’s dramatic backdrop.
The facility was built in the same place as the original to minimize site disturbances, decrease construction traffic, and reduce the amount of land-clearing debris that would have to be sent to local landfills. Motor-optimizing devices such as soft-start controls and variable-frequency drives allow the facility to save on water and power use.
Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”
