I remember leaving swim practice as a kid at 5 p.m., emerging from our little town’s brightly lit but spartan natatorium — essentially a concrete box housing a rectangular body of water — into a cold Wisconsin winter night. My wet hair would freeze solid on the short walk to the car. However uninspiring that facility was, that pool was the center of my community at the time. I made my first real friends as part of the swim team, experienced my first victories and losses, and learned the satisfaction of working hard toward a goal.
As I peruse the entries for this year’s Aquatic Design Portfolio, I’m struck by the remarkable evolution of aquatic facilities over the years. Each entry tells a unique story — a narrative of innovation, community engagement and a dedication to enhancing the overall aquatic experience. From cutting-edge designs that seamlessly blend with their natural surroundings to transformative renovations that breathe new life into aging structures, this year’s entries showcase the ingenuity of architects, designers, facility managers and community leaders.
But the 40 facilities featured in this year’s portfolio are more than just structures to those who use them. They are places where teammates meet, where friends are made, where lessons are learned and where families gather to recreate. In a screen-dominated digital world, I’m thrilled to see the ongoing commitment to creating spaces that go beyond mere functionality, embracing the profound impact they have on fostering connections and memories.
As the aquatic landscape continues to evolve, it is evident that these facilities remain vital hubs of community, echoing the enduring sentiment that even the simplest pool, like the one I once left with frozen hair, can be the heart of a cherished and transformative journey.
