After nearly 50 years of use, the Athens City Pool was beginning to show its age and operators faced increasing upkeep costs of the aging facility. After several public input meetings and discussions, the city council and community approved a $7.3 Million special tax levy to pay for a significant renovation of the existing facility. Water Technology, Inc. (WTI) provided aquatic design and engineering services for several swimming pools and aquatic features that would appeal to the entire community and adhere to the existing “Essence of Athens” design aesthetic.

At the heart of the new Athens City Pool facility is the family, a zero-depth entry children’s pool with an attached splash pad with a floral-themed splash and play features are perfect for Athens’ youngest swimmers. Across from the children’s pool is a three-story waterslide tower with two runout slides. The family space is completed with a 3,969 SF zero-depth entry leisure pool ideal for parents cooling off during the summer heat while keeping an eye on their children. For those seeking a workout, the 8-lane 5,614 SF 25-Yard lap pool with a separate dedicated diving well provides low-impact cardiovascular exercise.

Throughout the design of the facility, the “Essence of Athens” design aesthetic is exemplified in the floral design of the splash pad, and in the curving entrance canopy which mirrors the angle of the nearby Hocking River. After opening in 2018, Athens City Pool impressed both the community and critics alike earning Facility of Merit 2019, Architectural Showcase 2019, and Design Portfolio Feature 2019 in Athletic Business Magazine.