As the Recreation Management “State of the Industry” report highlighted back in June 2007—and continues to affirm today—parks and recreation departments serve as the foundation of many communities. From health and wellness to social connectivity and economic impact, public facilities do far more than offer a place to swim or play—they create a sense of place.
At Wallover Architects, we’ve spent decades helping communities, school districts, and organizations translate these industry insights into functional, beautiful, and inclusive aquatic and recreational spaces.
Why Facility Design Matters More Than Ever
The report underscored the need for smarter investments in recreational facilities. With tightened budgets and growing public demand, municipalities and private organizations alike are seeking versatile spaces that can serve multiple demographics—often with limited square footage or resources.
That’s where intelligent design comes in.
Wallover Architects brings extensive experience in planning and executing multi-purpose aquatic and recreation centers that check every box:
-
Accessibility
-
Revenue generation
-
Community engagement
-
Low long-term maintenance
-
Energy efficiency
From feasibility studies and master planning to full-service design, our process is informed by industry data—like that provided by Recreation Management—and grounded in practical experience.
Our Projects in Action
A prime example is the Greensboro Aquatic Center in North Carolina, where we designed three distinct bodies of water to serve everyone from elite swimmers to families and patrons with limited mobility. The result? A 17,895-square-foot aquatic facility that exceeded expectations in both performance and community value.
Similarly, the Culpeper Community Pool project in Virginia blends competition and leisure in one space—featuring a six-lane lap pool, zero-depth beach entry, and adjacent spray play zones. By designing for versatility, we ensure long-term sustainability and relevance.
Design That Reflects Industry Priorities
The State of the Industry report emphasized four critical goals for facility development:
-
Better resource planning
-
Increased programming flexibility
-
Improved user satisfaction
-
Sustainable growth strategies
These aren’t just talking points for us—they’re the blueprint for how we work.
Whether it’s a municipal spray ground like Pottstown’s Fountain of Youth, a resort-style pool like The Grand at Diamond Beach, or a state-of-the-art high school natatorium such as Upper Dublin High School, we apply data-driven thinking and architectural precision to help our clients achieve their goals.
Building What Communities Deserve
As community needs evolve, so too should the spaces that support them. The insights from Recreation Management’s 2007 report remain relevant today, and Wallover Architects is uniquely equipped to turn those insights into action.
Are you planning a new aquatic or recreational facility? Looking to adapt your current one for broader use or future growth?
Let’s build something extraordinary together.
