Kroc Center pools will be designed by those behind 'fast' Olympic Waters
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/
Swimmers
Randy Curtis
Special to the Statesman Journal
Like many of you, I found myself glued to the TV last week watching the Olympics, especially the swimming events. Tuesday night my interest was piqued when they talked about all the records being broken. It's "fast water," said the commentator, and one of the reasons is the specially designed Competition Pool.
Myrtha Pools provided some of the technology for the Olympic competition pool and built the Olympic water polo pool. They also provided the pool for the Olympic Trials in Omaha where nine world records were set. Myrtha is the same company that is building the Kroc Center pools. Can we assume that world records will be set here in Salem someday? Let's keep dreaming.
Last month, I promised you some drawings of the interior spaces of the Kroc Center. The architects are completing a video animation of the interior and provided me with some still drawings of the recreation pool and climbing wall. Inspiration for the themes of these pool features comes from the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the Blow Hole at Depoe Bay and the whales that frequent the Oregon Coast.
Our second feature is the climbing wall, which is located adjacent to the front lobby. Visitors will have an opportunity to lounge in the lobby area and watch climbers test their skills on the simulated rock face. Visitors to this area will also be able to look into the recreation pool or just relax and watch children and families enjoy this wonderful facility. The climbing wall is provided by Entre Prises of Bend, and replicates features found at Smith Rocks State Park in Central Oregon. The project is approximately 20 percent complete and you can follow the progress on our Web cam (lcgcam1.remotecam.com). The camera shows the nearly completed walls that surround the aquatics center. We hope to add a second camera soon so you can see the chapel and community wing where floor slabs and masonry walls are now being constructed. Randy Curtis is the Kroc Community Center project administrator.
