At AI, we believe in honoring the many facets that make up the aquatics industry. That’s why we have awards recognizing top facilities from an operations and programming standpoint, influential individuals and — my personal favorite — the best facility designs.
Here, we celebrate 10 family aquatics centers, waterparks, sprayparks, competition pools and resort pools. Each earned its distinction for its own set of reasons, and each had its own way of affirming the role of water and aquatics in our lives.
Now, let me tell you about a couple of my personal favorites. As often occurs, they happen to be community aquatics centers.
The designers who renovated Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool in Ouray, Colo. had to increase traffic five-fold and appeal to as many types of users as possible. How do you craft a municipal pool with out-there play features while matching the grace and fluidity of the Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in the backdrop? As you’ll see, they did it with aplomb. It took a deft hand with lines, attention to rock detail, and a light touch on color choices.
And I love the John Gaines Park Swim Center. The architecture and detailing remind me of facilities from the early 1900s, while the plantings and serene colors convey an immediate sense of calm. I’m sure the development it serves will come to rely on it as a neighborhood oasis.
Enjoy!