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 problematicScoreboard 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.