Culpeper County, VA, Department of Parks and Recreation (P&R) recently completed construction of a fieldhouse on the County’s Sports Complex. As the next step in the sports complex’s development, the County proposed adding a community swimming pool and support structures.
The selected site for the pool, pool house and stormwater retention facility was approximately 2.15 acres adjacent to the fieldhouse and parking lot.
NSA, the prime architect, led a team of engineers and consultants that developed the design and plans for the approximately 7563 SF outdoor seasonal community swimming pool and the approximately 4259 SF pool house.
The pool house, sited at the corner of Competition Drive and the existing parking lot, is intended to be a visual gateway to the sports complex beyond. It consists of an L-shaped two-story, square entry volume from which two wings extend, one to the north and the other to the west, that surround the pool proper, the curved arc connecting path and pavilions. Entering the volume, on its diagonal at the corner, leads to the axial path to the pool area beyond; people enter and move through this cool, dark space toward the sunlight beyond. Clerestory windows along the east and south walls also provide changing natural light and shadows.
The two wings contain locker rooms in the west wing and various support spaces in the north wing. Each wing incorporates an open veranda that faces the pool.
The pool consists of six 25-meter lap lanes oriented perpendicular to the entry path. Adjoining the lap lanes is a leisure/beach area. A separate splash pad with water features for children is located close to the south corner of the beach area. Two pavilions with picnic tables are located just beyond the splash pad located along that gentle curve which continues the arc of the splash pad.
