Central Recreation Center

Aurora, CO
Construction Cost: $4 Million
Area / Square Feet: 18,000
Occupancy Date: May 2019

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The Central Recreation Center will serve as Aurora’s aquatic hub, offering something for every resident and type of swimmer. The multigenerational center includes a wave pool that is connected to the lazy river, producing a wave river effect that can engage some of the more adventurous swimmers. The leisure pool has a shallow-water area lined with interactive spray features that double as a fun amenity for young swimmers and a relaxing therapeutic activity for adults. With so many recreation offerings in Aurora and the greater Denver area, the design team invested in amenities that would draw in the community, such as the interactive water slide and indoor wave pool.

FAMILIAR FEEL

The aquatic design embraces the natural beauty and visual connections of Colorado and the City of Aurora. The material palette of the recreation center was inspired by the idea of movement, energy and water. The organization of the building promotes movement by centrally locating critical activities, connected via human senses. In the aquatic facilities, the design theme is continued through both small- and large-scale innovative elements, finishes and patterns, such as wall coverings and a mosaic tile design.

A NEW WAY TO SLIDE

One of the most innovative features in the Central Recreation Center’s 18,000-square-foot pool area is the 220-foot-long water slide — the first of its kind in North America. Featuring computerized theme programming, users can choose from three different themes – such as a jungle theme – to customize their slide experience. Video screens will display images to help create the setting as visitors slide down the interactive slide. The pool area also features Colorado’s first indoor wave pool.