WTI participated in a 2009 study with national recreation expert Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, local architectural expert Dekker/Perich/Sabatini and Ballard*King & Associates to work on conceptual designs, eventual full-scope design and engineering for The Center of Recreation Excellence (The CORE). The CORE has extremely broad appeal because of the inclusive, multi-generational amenities on site, and it also represents a distinct partnership between the City of Hobbs, Lea County, New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs Municipal Schools, University of the Southwest and the J.F Maddox Foundation.

Year-round opportunities for lap swimming, leisure and play can all be found at The CORE. Unique to The CORE are Splashtacular’s themed elements that come to life and represent a desert thunderstorm. When the suspended clouds rumble with thunder and flash with lightning, rain falls and fills the lazy river. Geysers then come to life and dance with water. The excitement of the facility is truly a vertical one, as many of the aquatic amenities, like the rain cloud, are suspended from the ceiling. Swimmers looking for a thrill have a great view down to the leisure pool from the indoor/outdoor body flume slides as well. The CORE’s distinctive blend of competitive water, wellness water, spas and leisure pools truly has something for every swimmer.