Holland Aquatic Center Renovation and Addition Holland, Mich.

Project Description:

The Holland Aquatic Center is known for serving — at a very high level — the needs of the region surrounding Holland. Prior to the renovation and expansion project, the center included a 50-meter competition pool and a warm-water leisure pool with a waterslide in the same natatorium space. With the difference in water temperature between the two pools, patrons were complaining that it was either too hot or too cold for their use. Also, during large swim meets, the leisure pool was in the way of needed staging area at the end of the pool, especially during relay races. These basic conflicts led to the conclusion that distinct functions needed to be housed in separate environments.

By constructing a new leisure aquatics venue outside of the current footprint of the aquatic center, the 50-meter competition pool could remain in use during construction. Once the new leisure pool opened, the old leisure pool could be demolished, and a new four-lane training and diving pool could be constructed in its place. Another goal of the HAC was to expand its offerings to serve a greater population of the region beyond aquatics. By adding fitness areas, group exercise studios and an indoor track that loops around the outside of the new leisure pool, patrons can work out or walk/jog on a track that is warm and bright while sheltered from the elements outside.

Through the creative analysis of the existing building and building codes, the design team was able to open up older fire barriers to improve connectivity between spaces and save construction costs at the same time.