The town of Oro Valley will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for the $3.45 million expansion of its aquatic center.
The center, at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia, will close April 23 with the pool expected to re-open to swim teams in mid-August.
A grand opening date has not been set.
The groundbreaking will take place at 8 a.m.
The expansion is being funded through Oro Valley Parks and Recreation impact fees, bed tax funds and bond proceeds.
A corporate sponsorship campaign is under way to raise $500,000 in unmet funds. A community "Friends of the Pool" fundraising campaign will kick off on Friday.
A pool feasibility study presented to the Town Council in April 2011 found that the pool needs enhancements to comply with new Americans with Disabilities Act standards and needs several other upgrades.
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The town has said the pool lacks conveniences needed to host competitive swimming events such as big swim meets, duathlons and triathlons. With the upgrades, it hopes to attract large-scale competitions.
When the project is completed, the center will include a high-performance gutter system for improved water filtration; an additional six-lane, 25-yard lap pool; a 10-lane scoreboard and timing system; a shaded bleacher area; remodeled restrooms and changing rooms; and a splash pad.
In the meantime the town has arranged alternate swimming accommodations for town residents during the pool renovation.
• High school physical education classes from Canyon del Oro, Ironwood Ridge and Basis Oro Valley will use the Northwest YMCA, 7770 N. Shannon Road.
• The FAST and Pusch Ridge swim teams will have access to the University of Arizona recreation pool on the UA campus.
• FAST also may use lanes at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle Road, while Pusch Ridge can use the pool at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E. Ina Road.
• Recreational swimmers have been invited to use the pool in Marana, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road.
• The Northwest YMCA will provide lanes for swimmers looking for lap swimming, aqua aerobics and lessons.
All partner facilities will charge their normal fees.
Visit orovalleyaz.gov for more information.
