 FOR RELEASE
August 1, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT
Andrea Hawkins, 214.670.4678 or 817.994.2498
andrea.hawkins@dallascityhall.com
City to break ground for the first of Dallas’ new family aquatic centers signaling start of first phase of 2015 master plan
(DALLAS) - Construction
on the first of Dallas’ new family aquatic centers gets under way when Dallas
Park and Recreation breaks ground for the Crawford Family Aquatic Center. The ceremonial dirt-turning is 10 a.m. Saturday, August 5 at Crawford Memorial Park, Prairie
Creek Road near US-175.
“We are focused on
offering residents and visitors unique water experiences in a modern facility
that will exceed their recreational and leisure expectations,” said Willis
C. Winters, Director, Dallas Park and Recreation Department. “These family centers are long-awaited additions to the
city’s aquatics program.”
With
backhoe loaders ready to transform four acres on Crawford Park’s southeastern
end into a water oasis, the city’s park and recreation department begins the
first phase of its 2015 aquatics master plan that addressed Dallas’ need for
larger, more modern sites to serve more of the city’s increasing population.
The
plan created several new facilities branded as regional, community and
neighborhood and upgrades to the aging city-operated outdoor pools. Official
groundbreakings for two other regional facilities are planned at Samuell-Grand
and Fretz parks in August. The three complexes will be
built using the $31.8 million the city received in 2015 from the sale of Elgin
B. Robertson Park, said Winters.
Park officials
have planned a ceremony for Samuell-Grand Family Aquatic Center at 10 a.m.
Friday, August 11 at the east Dallas park located at 6200 East Grand Ave.
“Cities
are opting to build aquatic centers that offer more enhanced water features and
venue amenities that families and individuals can relax, splash and play
together. Industry trends and aquatics research show that family aquatic
centers – from the design to the amenities – should satisfy most patrons’
desires for waterpark experiences right in their communities,” said Winters.
Once completed,
visitors to the new $7.21 million contemporary-designed facility
will experience a resort-like atmosphere that will appeal to all ages. Taking
center stage will an 11,050 square-feet pool area complete with a multilevel
children’s pool with water sprays, slides and ground geysers in zero beach
entry and cabanas. It will complement various flume slides containing a plunge
pool, an eight-lane lap pool with one-meter diving board and a the always
popular lazy river. A 4,835 square-feet
bathhouse will provide concessions and locker and restrooms and other guest
accommodations.
“Dallas is at the forefront of making sure every
community has access to unique parks and recreational facilities. Functional
and family-friendly, this facility will add a new leisure component to Crawford
Park and to our community,” said Yolanda F. Williams, Dallas Park and
Recreation Board member. “With each new facility proposed by the aquatics
master plan, Dallas families have more options for playing, bonding and
learning together. Besides, the aquatics center is a really fun way to
keep cool,” added Williams.
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