Village of Romeoville Aquatics Center Romeoville, Ill.

Project Description:

The Village of Romeoville challenged the design team to create a 22,000-square-foot indoor community aquatics facility that is accessible and inclusive of all ability levels and demographics. There was a need within the village for a destination facility that provides year-round aquatic programming opportunities and community-based offerings.

The 11,400-square-foot natatorium includes a large internally lit waterslide, a zero-depth entry zone for wheelchair accessibility and youth access to a tiered play feature. The pool includes a vortex pool and a lazy river, which can double as a rehabilitation exercise medium for patrons in need of physical therapy strengthening activities. A three-lane, 20-yard lap pool provides traditional aquatics opportunities, as well as group programming space. An immersive “underwater” theme was introduced to the aquatics space by utilizing cool blue, aqua and purple tones, hanging transparent bubbles, as well as specifying color-changing LED lighting, decorative perforated metal wave ceiling treatments, and a custom-colored epoxy fleck flooring with textured anti-slip coating.

The facility also includes two multipurpose party rooms and a snack and vending area with direct access to the pool space. Due to the nature of the facility, which encourages equitable access to all community members, the facility includes multiple gender-neutral toilet and changing rooms.

The center also contains staff and maintenance offices, a staff break room and a large welcoming lobby. The lobby continues the underwater theme with colorful wave ceilings and a digital graphic logo as one enters the building. The welcoming reception desk has translucent blue solid surface materials for durability and a backlit, crushed sea-glass accent panel.