The Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility is the new premier aquatic and Olympic training competition venue in the Southeast United States. Its purpose is to empower swimmers to reach their greatest potential for the betterment of the community as a whole. The FAST facility is outfitted with top-tier equipment to train athletes, host events and engage in recreational activities at the local, state, regional and national levels.
The facility provides elite training with the goal of producing the next generation of champion swimmers. The natatorium features two different pool types: a concrete pool for the large indoor pool and a Myrtha pool for the exterior pool. The indoor cast-in-place concrete 10-lane 50-meter, 25-yard Olympic competition pool has seating for more than 2,200 spectators. The outdoor L-shaped pool includes the five-lane 25-yard warm-up area and seven-lane 50-meter, 25-yard, 25-meter pool by Myrtha Pools, with a second-level outdoor deck. The pool was the 2021 Olympic Trials warmup pool that the owner brought to the site from Omaha, Neb. In re-utilizing an existing pool, there were savings in materials and energy in production. There are two indoor/outdoor video scoreboards with Colorado Timing Systems, as well as a timing room.
The project includes meeting spaces for teams and coaches, as well as a combined 2,500 square feet of aquatic and dryland fitness spaces for a full program of cross-training opportunities for athletes. There is also an outdoor splashpad with decorative play structures for children.
ARCHITECT OF RECORD
Wannemacher Jensen Architects Inc. St. Petersburg, Fla.
AQUATIC CONSULTANT
Counsilman-Hunsaker
St. Louis, Mo.
Eastway Regional Recreation Center
