Scott Carpenter Aquatic Park

Boulder, CO
Construction Cost: $14,800,000
Area / Square Feet: 7,500SF bathhouse, 50 meter pool, 18 acre site
Occupancy Date: August 2020

Scott Carpenter Aquatic Park is part of a community park that includes a skate park, an open turf field, diamond fields, a space-themed playground, and a swimming pool facility.

Essenza transformed the dated outdoor pool into a modern aquatic park, gathering input from the community and user groups to prioritize features. The request was to create an iconic, state-of-the-art facility that promotes inclusiveness, accessibility, sustainability and durability while honoring and nurturing the existing mature trees and established astronaut theme. Swimmers indulge in the 50-meter lap pool, double water slide, recreation pool, diving board, jumping platform, drop slide and climbing wall. The preserved trees, which provide shade, inspired the entry design. The lazy river allows for additional fitness class opportunities, and now serves as site of the Great Boulder Duck Race after 33 years at Boulder Creek. A 2,000-square-foot splash pad with a 20-foot-tall rocket ship play feature pay homage to the park’s astronaut namesake.

The dramatic 7,500-square-foot bathhouse renovation features durable materials alongside preserved historic brick. The all-age accessible design and an undulating curved blue roof mimicking water waves welcomes visitors.