The Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center opened in 1989. It consists of a 50-meter competitive swimming and diving pool, a 200-foot water flume, a separate leisure pool with two hydrotherapy areas, and a diving tower. Since its opening, the center has had problems related to the movement and condensation of moist indoor air through the building's exterior masonry walls, resulting in roof leakage throughout the building. The original scope of the project was to remove and restore existing windows and louvers; remove the 4-inch masonry veneer block throughout the facility, and correct louvers, windows, and penetration flashings; install spray-applied wall insulation functioning as both air/vapor barrier system; install new exterior masonry veneer wall system; and replace the existing roof. During the design evaluation of the entire facility, a structural review was performed for the existing conditions, and it was determined that the existing exterior walls will require significantly greater structural modifications than known prior to the evaluation, which has increased the project scope, budget, and schedule to complete the work. In addition, it was determined that the pool equipment and the HVAC systems were at the end of useful life and also require full system replacements. The Office for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance in the Department of General Services (DGS) also conducted a full review and design for implementation and remediation of all non-compliance issues at the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center. Taken in totality, the facility will require closure for a minimum of (18) months. Closure of the aquatic center is being coordinated with the Department of Recreation and other CIP projects, including MLK Aquatic Center and the anticipated opening of the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, to limit the impact of closed indoor facilities on Recreation patrons. In order to facilitate a longer closure period for the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center project, a water heating system will be installed and weatherization of the shower rooms will be improved at the Glenmont Outdoor Pool to allow for extended season use of the outdoor pool both prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day. These improvements will facilitate swim and revenue generating activities that would otherwise be eliminated or harmed by the extended closure of the Kennedy Shriver Aquatics Center.
This project is included Montgomery County Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Project. As of April 25, 2024, construction is slated to begin in September 2024 with completion date of September 2026. However, the firm timelines have not been identified. Information regarding design firm and general contractor selected has not been disclosed. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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