Payson City Aquatic Center & Skatepark Payson, Utah

 

Located 60 miles south of Salt Lake City and nestled against the foothills of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, Payson has historically been known as an agricultural community, but in recent years, the demographics have shifted and it has become a residential community attractive to young families because of its close proximity to the vibrant economy of Provo, Utah. VCBO Architecture provided a feasibility study for a new recreation center, determining

 
 
that as the first phase, the city should replace its aging pool, which was built in 1976 for a much smaller population. Completed in 2008, the new pool and skatepark allow the city to expand its public recreation services and provide the community with a modern pool, as well as a state-of-the-art skatepark.

The steering committee for the development helped ensure the project meets the needs of all community members. With input from children, parents, seniors, the local swim team and even physical therapists, the design team settled on a plan that accommodates everyone. Specific input on therapeutic benefits of key features helped inform the design. For example, the current channel is fun for a leisurely trip around the pool, but it also can be used by exercisers looking for a low-impact workout by walking against the current. The zero-entrance leisure pool is accessible to those of all levels of physical ability, and the lap pool includes a lift.

A number of exciting play features make the pool a popular destination for children and their families. The slide tower features a twisty slide and speed flume, while the "lazy river" that encircles the tower provides an exciting way to relax or splash around, passing beneath dumping buckets and a bridge with spray features. The zero-entry splash area features three waterslides and other great spray features for smaller kids. A six-lane competition pool is separated from the leisure pool to maintain a manageable division of the "fun" and "business" sides of the facility.

 
 

Structural Engineer:
Dunn Associates
Mechanical Engineer:
Van Boerum & Frank
Electrical Engineer:
BNA Consulting Engineers
Aquatic Consultant:
Water Design Inc.
General Contractor:
Hogan Associates

VCBO Architecture
in Salt Lake City
Size: 23,000 square feet
Project Cost: $4.3 million

Quick Tour:

  • Competition Pool
  • Leisure Pool
  • Waterslide
  • Children's play feature
  • Family Change rooms
  • Administrative offices
  • Skatepark

Full Article

Click here to view the Payson Aquatic Center Website

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