Rethinking Aquatic Facilities as Community Centers
For many municipalities, aquatic facilities have traditionally been viewed as seasonal or auxiliary amenities. But as communities evolve and wellness becomes a top priority, there’s a growing recognition that pools can—and should—play a central role in promoting health, connection, and engagement across all age groups.
In an article originally published in The Park & Recreation Trades magazine, Susan Wallover, Director of Recreation Planning at Wallover Architects, outlines the transformative potential of municipal aquatic centers.
From Swim Lessons to Full-Scale Community Programming
Today’s most successful aquatic facilities go far beyond swim lessons and lap lanes. Modern centers are evolving into vibrant, multi-purpose spaces offering:
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Water slides and interactive splash zones that encourage parent-child engagement
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Creative programming like water aerobics, scuba, and underwater photography
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Special events such as outdoor movies, senior socials, birthday rentals, and holiday parties
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Inclusive community outreach targeting non-members and underserved populations
Facilities that include warmer water pools (ranging from 84° to 94°) can serve an even broader audience. From preschoolers learning to swim to older adults benefiting from low-impact exercise, warm water environments foster comfort, health, and retention.
The Therapeutic Opportunity: Aquatic Wellness for All Ages
Therapy pools provide life-changing support for a wide range of needs—including recovery from injuries, chronic pain, and neurological conditions. Disciplines such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreation therapy rely on warm-water facilities to serve diverse populations.
Yet access to these specialized spaces remains limited. Municipal aquatic centers can step in to fill the gap, offering accessible, public alternatives that benefit individuals and the greater community alike.
Community-Wide Benefits of Aquatic Center Investment
Investing in aquatic facilities delivers measurable returns:
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Increased memberships and daily attendance
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Higher snack bar and concession sales
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Stronger community engagement and wellness
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Reduced reliance on taxpayer support through revenue generation
As Susan Wallover writes: “Increased use can result in increased revenues. The increase in revenues can help reduce or eliminate the financial burden to the community while enriching the community.”
How Wallover Architects Can Help
Wallover Architects has been a national leader in aquatic design for over 35 years. Our team specializes in transforming pools into multi-use, community-centered destinations—combining high-quality design, thoughtful programming space, and accessibility.
Examples of our municipal pool work include:
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Quakertown Community Pool – A complete competitive and family aquatic upgrade
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Pottstown Memorial Park “Fountain of Youth” Spray Ground – A landmark splash feature revitalizing local recreation
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Culpeper Community Pool (Coming Soon) – An upcoming facility designed for fitness, family, and play
Ready to Transform Your Facility?
Whether your goal is to increase community wellness, generate revenue, or create an inclusive recreational destination, Wallover Architects is ready to help.
📞 Contact us today at ewallover@walloverarchitects.com to explore our design services.
