Rendering of Cherokee County Aquatic Center

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency are hosting the Cherokee County Aquatic Center Ground Breaking Ceremony Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 12 p.m.

During their meeting November 15, 2011, Cherokee County Board of Commissioners (BOC) voted unanimously to award the construction services contract to New South Construction Company, Inc. to build the Cherokee County Aquatic Center (CCAC) for $15.7 million.

The center was designed by Cooper Carry and Water Technologies Inc. It will be constructed with proceeds from a $90 million Parks Bond passed by Cherokee voters in 2008. Construction is set to begin early December and could open late spring 2013.

The first of its kind in Cherokee County, the CCAC will be located off Interstate 575 at the Sixes Road Exit in Holly Springs and will include a 48,000 square foot indoor facility with an additional 18,000 square foot outdoor leisure pool and deck area. The center will serve Cherokee County families and provide an asset to the immediate surrounding community. The center will add a new dimension of recreation opportunities; providing a full range of aquatic programming including competitive and recreational swimming opportunities, learn-to-swim programs, aqua therapy, aquatic exercise classes and more.

Specifically the center will include an indoor 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating for 700; an indoor 25-yard recreational pool with warmer water for therapy, exercise and instruction; 2 indoor poolside classrooms / party rooms; a spacious lobby and seating areas with pool overlook. The outdoor leisure pool will include features such as an aquatic play structure, water cannons, a zero-depth entry area with geysers and deck sprays, a current channel and basketball hoops. Finally, a concession stand, generous locker rooms and family restrooms will serve both the indoor and outdoor facilities.

Prior to the grand opening, recreation and parks staff will conduct a contest for local children to name the outdoor leisure pool and create a mascot. CRPA Director, Bryan Reynolds, said “we are looking for something fun; something that will inspire the kids imagination and make them want to come back time after time to enjoy what the facility has to offer.”

Current plans call for up to five full-time employees as well as part time staff such as life guards and water safety instructors.

Tags: aquatic center, Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, Parks & Recreation