Aquatic Center Groundbreaking Set for Next Week

Cherokee County officials will break ground next week on a $15.7 million aquatic center in .

The voted on Nov. 15, 2011 to for the construction of the Cherokee County Aquatic Center. The center was designed by Cooper Carry and Water Technologies, Inc. Commissioners earlier this year.

The complex will be built at Gresham Mill Parkway at Sixes Road, and will be comprised of a 48,000 indoor facility, and an 18,000 square foot outdoor leisure pool and deck area. The center will include an indoor 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating for 700; an indoor 25-yard recreational pool with warmer water for therapy, exercise and instruction; 2 indoor poolside classrooms and party rooms; a spacious lobby; and seating areas with pool overlook. The outdoor leisure pool will include features such as an aquatic play structure, water cannons, a zero-depth entry area with geysers and deck sprays, a current channel and basketball hoops. A concession stand, generous locker rooms and family restrooms will serve both the indoor and outdoor facilities.

Local children will get a chance to put their mark on the new facility. Prior to the building’s grand opening, recreation and parks staff will conduct a contest for local children to name the outdoor leisure pool and create a mascot.

 “We are looking for something fun, something that will inspire the kids imagination and make them want to come back time after time to enjoy what the facility has to offer,” CRPA Director Bryan Reynolds said.

The aquatic center was approved and funded as a part of Cherokee County’s Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond that passed in November 2008. Construction is set to begin in December, and the aquatic center is slated to open in late spring 2013. The facility will have five full-time employees, as well as part-time staff, such as lifeguards and water safety instructors.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7, at noon.