The Republic Aquatics Center Expansion was a top priority for many community members, listing a lazy river as the most desired amenity. Party rentals and group gathering spaces are always in demand at this facility and the existing unique water features attract visitors throughout the region. The site is challenged with a significant grade change between the existing pool and the area available for expansion.
It was essential to enhance the existing identity as a destination location with cool interactive family-oriented amenities, both in the water and on land. Using the site constraints to our advantage, we designed terraces into the hillside, creating rental areas, patios, and lounge space along the path from the main pool to the 575 feet long lazy river. The terraces enhanced views to the water, the island, and to the new water slides. The lazy river will be shielded from the street by a new concessions/pool house with a pergola area for additional seating. We programmed out the maximum length of the lazy river that would fit on the site, designing the island also as its own destination location with rentals, cabanas, water features, and green space.
