Construction is complete, and the grand opening has been scheduled for the brand new Cherokee Aquatic Center. The center is the first aquatic facility built and operated by the county and was built to serve area residents by the Cherokee Recreation and Park Agency (CRPA). The facility, located at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, is just off Sixes Road near I-575.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday May 9 at 10 a.m., with the official Grand Opening occurring two days later from 10 a.m., to 8 p.m. on Saturday May 11.
The center consists of a 48,000-square-foot indoor aquatic area, which will be open year round. In addition, there is an 18,000-square-foot outdoor leisure pool and deck area. Components of the center include a 50-meter competition pool with seating for 700, an indoor 25-yard recreational pool with warm water therapy, two poolside classrooms, party rooms as well as a spacious lobby.
The outdoor pool area which will be open seasonally includes a zero-entry “beach” area with geysers and deck sprays providing fun for all ages, and an aquatic play structure with water cannons. A concession area, locker rooms and family restrooms will serve both the indoor and outdoor areas.
The Aquatic Center was funded from the 2004 extension of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for capital projects including “aquatics and/or other facilities” as well as the Parks Bond approved by voters in 2008. In 2011, Cherokee County awarded a $15.7-million contract to New South Construction to build the facility.
Registration has begun for programs at the center, which will include a competitive youth swim team known as “The Pelicans,” swimming lessons for all ages, water aerobics and water safety classes. Scheduling and pricing for all classes as well as general hours of operation can be found on the CRPA’s website www.crpa.net. Call 770-924-7768 for more information.
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