Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will get two new pools
Reston Community Center expects to welcome visitors of all ages to its two brand-new pools later this year, capping a nearly year-long construction project.
RCC, working with Branch Builds and the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), will have two new pools – a 25-yard lap pool with beach entry and water play features and a deeper, warm-water exercise pool – allowing RCC to offer more aquatics programming at its renovated facility. Other renovations include a new roof, all new equipment systems for water filtration and air-handling, updated and more effective storm water management, and locker room improvements.
“This project was entirely informed by the views of our aquatics patrons who helped us determine the features most desired. They participated in meetings, sent ideas and feedback to us, and followed the project development process carefully and thoughtfully. We hope they will enjoy the fruits of their contributions thoroughly,” said RCC Board of Governors Chair Beverly Cosham.
RCC had hoped to offer swim lessons and other programs as early as November 2019, however, the construction calendar will not allow those programs to take place. Patrons who registered for Aquatics programs in November and December will be contacted by RCC’s Aquatics staff to reschedule those classes or make other arrangements. In addition, RCC’s team is working to bring the Reston Masters and South Lakes High School swim teams back to the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center as quickly as possible for their practice sessions.
“We anticipate the substantial completion date target of December 3 will be met,” said RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon. “The one-month delay was caused by unanticipated existing conditions with respect to our foundation and water infiltration from flaws in the storm water drainage system for the building, as well as an acute labor shortage in the aquatics construction industry that delayed that specialized work significantly. Crews have been working weekends and longer hours to make up as much of the time delay as possible.” Gordon continued, “Following staff training and other activities needed to open the pools, we will be hosting a variety of opportunities for the public and our swim teams to return to the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center in December.”
RCC closed its pool January 1, 2019 to embark on the major renovation, the first for the aquatics facility since RCC was built in 1979. Prior to construction, RCC held a two-year community engagement and design process. The renovated facility was designed by RRMM/Lukmire Architects. Branch Builds was selected by DPWES after a pre-bid qualifying process and review of construction bids from those firms that were qualified to submit them. The Virginia-based contractor has won awards for its design-build and renovation of schools, libraries (including the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library) and other public facilities.
Additionally, RCC has selected mosaic artist Valerie Theberge to create a public artwork that will be installed on the large wall areas adjacent to the pool overlook area. Theberge has two works of note in Reston: the Glade Drive underpass “Emerge” and a mosaic water feature at Dogwood Pool. Both projects were accomplished with support from Public Art Reston, Reston Association and Reston Community Center, and with additional funding from ARTSFAIRFAX.
During the closure, RCC has partnered with the Fairfax County YMCA Reston, Herndon Community Center and Reston Association to offer special aquatics discounts for RCC patrons during the renovation period. Patrons interested in swimming this fall can still obtain special pricing for those facilities. For more information, please visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/construction.
For updates throughout the construction period, please visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
About Reston Community Center
Each year RCC offers more than 2,000 positive, self-development experiences that enhance the quality of life for all people living and working in Reston. RCC provides a wide range of programs in arts, aquatics, enrichment and lifelong learning. We also create and sustain community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals. To find the programs or events that are right for you, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
