Wissahickon School DistrictNew Natatorium

Planning Considerations

Presented byTrojan Aquatics

Who is Trojan Aquatics?Parents and coaches of WHS Swim and Water Polo

teams

Purpose:Booster Club to support the above teamsOrganize and manage off-season water polo and

swimming programsSupport above through activity fees, contributions

and donations (e.g., procure training equip)Sponsor scholarships for graduating seniors who

have participated in these WHS aquatic programs

Current ProgramWHS swimming, diving, and water polo are

growing in participation, and success:56 student-athletes participated on the swim/diving

team this year; 50 participated on water polo team8 swimmers went to Districts this year; 2 to StatesWater polo team has gone to State tournament 5 of

last 7 years; placed 5th this year9 graduates of the WHS aquatic programs the last 3

yrs went on to participate at the NCAA level88 people in spring water polo

Current ProblemsNot serving our District residents

Over a dozen swimmers choose to train elsewhere, or are leaving the programs entirely

Many of the best swimmers (USA caliber)Swimming is unlike other HS sports

Requires a special use facilityPractice time is different – 2 times a day

OVERVIEWGuiding PrinciplesOrigin of Design ConceptsOverall Pool DesignSpecific Needs

SwimmingDivingWater PoloPhysical Education Community Aquatic Activities

Guiding PrinciplesHave a multi-use facility – versatileDevelop natatorium complex that promotes a

progressive, 21st Century school district, committed to physical fitness and competitive sports

Ensure the facility is fully integrated with the curriculum of the High School

Have the ability to successfully hold swimming, diving, or water polo competitions at “Suburban One League” Championship level/size

Guiding PrinciplesConsider all possible constituencies:

studentsfacility & staffhigh school swim/dive and water polo teamscommunity swim/dive and water polo teamsdistrict residents

Have WSD recognized regionally as “best in class” regarding their aquatics center

Support the District community at large, via increased aquatic programs targeting unmet needs

Origin of Design ConceptsInput from Trojan Aquatics parents, swimmers,

and alumni via email solicitationIn-person and telephonic interviews with 11 “pool-

knowledgeable” sources from multiple school districts & programs:8 high school swimming coaches4 high school water polo coachesall were collegiate swimmers, some with national

rankingsHead of American Water Polo; Commissioner of

Collegiate Water Polo2 aquatic program administrators

Overall Pool Design“Stretch” design pool, with bulkhead to create

25 yd short course pool(s) and a diving area25 yds wide ‘across’ pool – more needed

practice spaceAt least 40 yds long, plus width of 5 ft bulkheadState-of-the-art ventilation and air filtration

systems, with appropriate temperature and humidity controls for full time, year-round consistency, capable of sufficiently handling the heavy usage surrounding swim meets, water polo matches, and practices

Overall Pool Design (Con’t)Increased deck space to improve safety for

participants and officials – on a non-slip surfaceLarge storage space(s) – store water polo goals,

swimming touch pads, timing system, lane lines & equipment, training equipment, canoes & PE equip

Sufficient seating area to accommodate League Championship / similar size meets (500 ppl range)

Separate Home and Visitors locker rooms for both Boys and Girls

Overall Pool Design (Con’t)Natural lighting, properly positioned, w/

ability to invoke shades if outside sun is problematic

Scoreboard that is easily seen from anywhere, capable of scoring for both swimming and water polo

Locker room access that does not require walking onto pool deck – health & safety issue

All seating & equipment on deck to be “removable”, for flexibility, cleaning, and maintenance

Overall Pool Design (Con’t)Main pool entrance should be to the

“outside”, so that evening/weekend use of pool doesn’t require entering the school – security issue

Sufficient lobby area for children waiting for rides; protection from the weather

Good acoustic system, quality speakers, acoustical tiles or sound damping devices

ADA entry – chair & gradual stepsOffices: Coaches, P.E. office, First Aid –

location

Overall Pool Design (Con’t)Entrance to spectator seating should be

“behind”, so as to not interfere with viewingMain entryway to have vestibule area (one set

of doors closes before the others are opened) – helps maintain indoor temperature and maintain air quality

Protective glass ‘walls’ (rather than railing/bars) for unobstructed viewing

Ancillary room for instruction – PE dept, teaching by coaches, program instructors, American Red Cross

Overall Pool Design (Con’t)Snack bar area in pool lobbyWall outlets raised higher than usual – get

power cords off the deck / kept drierUnderwater speakers – used for coaching

instruction & music (for swim practice and recreational swimming)

Capability for live streaming events; video training

Underwater window/observation area – for coaches to film and observe/critique

Specific NeedsSwimmingDivingWater PoloPhysical EducationCommunity Aquatic Programs

Swimming8-10 swim lanes – minimumWarm-up/-down partitioned area for use before,

during, after meetDesign concepts for “fast” pool

Appropriate depth (mostly 6’6” or deeper)Water ‘buffer” between outside lanes and pool

edgesAdvanced drainage systemModern wave overflow mgmtLane-line designStarting blocks – larger with racing insert option

Swimming (Con’t)Sufficient deck space and seating for

participants – on both sides and ends of poolWall mounted “hook up” for timing system, in

multiple locations – ensures flexibilityInstall timing system wiring within the deck –

eliminates potential safety hazard

Diving“Preferred” depth as per USA Swimming (13’6”)(2) 1-meter and (1) 3-meter diving boards (need for

competitions; AP option to prepare athletes for next level; opens revenue opportunity)

Warming system for divers (warm water spray showers in wall; other warm water access)

Sprays/water agitators for divers to observe water level

Avoid windows behind diving boards – sunlight is impediment for judges

Ability for judges to view divers from more than one angle/vantage point

Water PoloRoom for 2 regulation water polo play fields

(to host tournaments) – appropriate depth throughout

Scoreboard must accommodate water polo needs

Officials must be able to walk both sides of the field of play (lengthwise) without obstruction

No ‘breakables’ behind goals (glass windows or doors; scoreboard; clocks)

Safety nets to control errant balls

Physical EducationLarger facility can accommodate multiple

classes simultaneously of varying skill levelsExpand aquatic offerings for PE classesCross-training by other HS/MS sports teamsExercise option for “academic period”Lifeguard certification

Community Aquatic ProgramsShallow end for children’s lessons; water

aerobics; other activities“Master’s” swim programAdult lessonsWater safety trainingConsider at least one (1) “family changing room”,

even if public restrooms are nearbyHave a separate community entrance, with

control desk and set of small changing rooms. Could facilitate use by community during school day with no intrusion on school locker rooms.