James Ray Spahn Photography
The Center of Recreational Excellence (CORE)
Hobbs, N.M.
Architects: Barker Rinker Seacat, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini
Aquatic Designer/Consultant: Water Technology Inc. (WTI)
Landscape Architect: Norris Design
Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Splashtacular
Builder: Haydon Building Corp.
Feasibility/Operations: Ballard King and Associates
Civil Engineering: Pettigrew Associates
Mechanical Engineering: The Ballard Group
Electrical Engineering: Reese Engineering
Structural Engineering: JVA
Sustainability: Group 14
Worlds connected
The best community aquatics centers strive for an aesthetic and even spiritual connection with the neighborhood. To evoke the desert environment of Hobbs, a New Mexico town near the border it shares with Texas, the design team developed a complete light, sound and water show.
Impressionistic clouds hover over the indoor leisure pool. But like the very desert itself, the pleasant adornments will suddenly erupt into an intense, raucus thunderstorm, with all the sights and sounds. There are bursts of light thanks to the light orbs, and pouring rain, as well as thunderous booms. A flash flood overtakes portions of the lazy river and waterfeatures. Then, it ends as abruptly as it began.
While the storms comprise the signature event at the center, the light, sound and water systems making them possible can be configured into several types of shows and events. For instance, the audio library includes animal sounds, rain, thunder and others. All events can be triggered by a spontaneous staff member, set on a timer or included in a whole choreographed sequence.
The leisure pool area contains a large list of amenities, requiring the team to employ space-saving methods. For instance, many supports for the waterslides and waterfeatures were anchored to the ceiling in order to preserve floor space. Some slides run outside the space and through a fitness room, taking advantage of space in the building that otherwise would have been underutilized.
This completely engaging experience is unique to the leisure pool. Two other areas were designed with their own specialized atmosphere. The competition pool, meant for world-class meets, takes on a more serious air. The therapy pool space, features a significant lower ceiling with special acoustic panels to help those with impairments to work out without a hearing aid. Soothing colors create a comfortable environment for those seeking therapy. A special door allows access to the family lockers, to minimize walking and maximize privacy.
Suppliers:
Filters: Neptune Benson
Pumps: Grundfos
Interactive Waterfeatures: Splashtacular
Racing Lines: Kiefer Wave Eater
Access Ramps/Stairs: Spectrum
Chemical Control Systems: BECS Sys 7
Cleaners/Vacuums: Aqua Products
Pools: Myrtha Pools
Spa Surface: Diamond Brite
Diving Boards/Stand: Spectrum
Gutters: Myrtha Pools
Ladders/Grab Bars: Spectrum
Lane Markers: Kiefer Wave Eater
Lighting: Pentair
Sanitation Systems: Stenner pumps, ETS, Neptune Benson
Scoreboard/Timing Systems: Daktronics
Starting Blocks: Myrtha
Water Play Features: Splashtacular