Westwood Family Aquatic Center

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Project Type

Location

Norman, Oklahoma

Year Completed

2018

22,581 sq. ft. of water surface area

Nestled beside a local golf course as well as a tennis facility, the Westwood Family Aquatic Center brings hydrating amenities to the area for summer. Developed over several years after a parks master plan, feasibility study and a strong public effort, it was clear that a new aquatic center would need to be a place where families of all ages including young adults could find a space of their own. With 122,000 populace, as well as the home of the University of Oklahoma, Norman’s population continues to grow at a steady pace. To meet the needs of a large group of young and active citizens (roughly 20,000 undergraduate students), as well as a strong competitive swim team programming was a very important piece to the design process.

To meet these needs amenities were designed and selected to Emphasize recreation and exercise while also support the community’s needs for competition and training. The park hosts a 6 lane 50-meter lap pool that when not in use for competition is used as a large recreational pool. This area contains 1 meter and 3-meter diving, multiple points of ADA access as well as various large slides, floatables, climbing walls, and open swim areas. In addition to the lap pool patrons are greeted with a large interactive wet deck complete with a play structure and dumping bucket, as well as a large wading pool area when they first enter the facility. The wading pool area encourages gentle activities with smaller scaled water features such as a themed toddler slide, tall vertical spray buckets and smaller ground sprays. With two large shaded water benches, this space gives adults an area to socialize with other young families, while also creating a natural barrier for little ones from deeper water.

A key request from the city was for features that would challenge patrons of varying ages, inviting the potential for risks and the rewards typically associated with such thrills. To help accomplish this alongside the amenities previously mentioned is also a 500 ft long lazy river with an integrated plunge area, large slides, sprays, waterfalls, a water walk and an action channel. When not in use for family recreation this area is also a great training amenity where swimmers can walk or swim against the strong current. To support and sustain a fun family day at the aquatic center a large bathhouse, complete with a large concession area, locker rooms and multiple shade areas are also located on site.


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