First-season attendance at the City of Mitchell?s new aquatic center was nearly four times that of the previous community pool?s final year of operation. In 2004, the city opted to demolish its 40-year-old pool and construct a more modern outdoor facility on the same site in Hitchcock Park.
Collaboration with the city?s aquatics committee, park board and the city council helped achieve a balance between the needs of recreational and competitive swimmers. Six 50-meter swimming lanes are attached to a dedicated recreational swimming area. A themed bridge with colored concrete connects the two areas of the facility. Recreational amenities include a doubleflume slide, a drop slide, a 1-meter diving board, a floating water walk and water play features. Other features include a concessions deck, a sun-andturf area, a sand-play area and a group rental space for large gatherings.
A significant challenge was designing the new pool while minimizing impact to the site?s natural surroundings. Hitchcock Park is home to some of the oldest trees in the state, and the design had to be custom fitted to preserve them.
Almaden Branch Library and Community Center
