Since 1964, the North East Independent School District’s Bill Walker Natatorium has served the aquatic needs of the greater San Antonio region. With the enormous growth in the area, the natatorium had struggled to meet the increasing needs of a multigenerational community and competitive swim team, while dealing with 50 years of wear and tear on the facility. The Walker Natatorium features a Myrtha pool, which was chosen for its flexibility. The redesigned pool is significantly wider allowing for a 50-meter long course and a 25-yard short course enabling a variety of competitive events. An easily moveable bulkhead allows greater flexibility in programming by dividing the pool into multiple simultaneously useable spaces.
Designers assisted in offsetting the maintenance costs of the larger facility by reducing energy costs through a mixture of natural light from translucent roof tiles and energy-efficient LED lamps. A natural ventilation HVAC system was installed that uses motorized louvers, roll-up doors and mechanical fans to reduce both evaporation and cooling costs during hot summers. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many swimmers ranking the project favorably among top aquatics facilities at the university level.
Alabama Aquatic Center
