It was determined in late 2005 that only 21,000 square feet of the existing 75,000-square-foot Shawnee YMCA was correctly oriented and in good enough condition to be reused. A concept plan was developed that renovated the remaining building while adding 27,500 square feet to provide for new locker rooms, a state-of-the art fitness facility and a new leisure/lap pool.
On the building’s exterior, existing block forms are broken up by orange ceramic radial forms. The new circular entry vestibule, for example, is oriented to be obvious and convenient to visitors. Inside, building elements orient around a central, linear lobby, offering visitors as many views of activities as possible from a single point of control. The lobby and lounge space also serves as the circulation pathway to the fitness spaces, locker rooms, multipurpose rooms, group exercise studios and childcare areas.
The aquatics component includes a leisure pool with water depths ranging from beach entry to four feet. Features include floor geysers, interactive spray structures, a lazy river and a water slide. The lazy river also doubles as a resistance channel for exercise, therapy and rehabilitation. Four 25-yard swim lanes provide space for competitive and lap swimming, as well as open space for swimming lessons, aqua aerobics and water games such as basketball and volleyball.