The 45,800-square-foot Wellness Center & Natatorium expansion provides state-of-the-art aquatics and wellness amenities for both the University of South Dakota and the Vermillion community. At the heart of the facility is a 13,000-square-foot competition pool holding 762,680 gallons and featuring eight 50-meter and 23 25-yard lap lanes, two 1-meter and two 3-meter concrete dive stands, two movable bulkheads and tiered seating for 400 spectators. A ceiling-mounted NinjaCross obstacle course adds an innovative, on-demand fitness element integrated directly above the water. Complementing the competition pool is a 1,000-square-foot, 28,815-gallon activity pool with stair entry, an underwater bench, an adjustable basketball hoop and a volleyball net for recreational programming. A 250-square-foot, 4,500-gallon hydrotherapy spa supports recovery and relaxation. Design challenges included coordinating structural supports, point loads, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for the NinjaCross course, bulkheads and overhead technologies such as the LED videoboard and winches. The facility provides varsity swim and dive teams with a competition-ready venue while expanding access to aquatics fitness, swim lessons and community recreation for all ages.
Lead Architect
RDG Planning & Design
Aquatic Design Consultant
Counsilman-Hunsaker
Components
- Competition pool with movable bulkheads
- 1- and 3-meter diving platforms
- Spectator seating for 400
- NinjaCross obstacle course
- Activity pool
- Underwater bench
- Basketball hoop
- Volleyball net
- Hydrotherapy spa
Suppliers
| Colorado Time Systems | Scoreboard/Timing System |
| Competitor Swim | Lane Markers |
| Fluidra/S.R.Smith | ADA Lifts, Ladders/Grab Bars |
| Paddock Pool Equipment Company | Filtration Systems, Gutters |
| POOLCORP Commercial Aquatics | Bulkhead, Dive Stands, Guard Stands, Rails, ADA Lifts, Lane Lines and Storage Reels, Pumps and VFDs |
| Spectrum Aquatics | Starting Blocks |
3Roots Wellness Park Pools
