Our Vision

Founded in 2023, Citizens Aquatic Center, Inc. was established by members of the Ripley County community to initiate a project aimed at building a natatorium to serve the regional swimming community.

Each member of the founding board had a vision for what the facility would be but hope to feature an Olympic sized pool, adequate spectator seating and aquatic space for roughly 200 swimmers. They also had the vision to integrate a warm-water therapy pool in the initial design.

The board will be establishing an action committee representing a variety of stakeholders to help drive the design and features outlined by the feasibility study set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

Pool Concept: Virtual Tour

Pool Concept: Features (2021 design)

Main Competition Pool

• 50 Meter stretch (186′ x 75′)
• Two, 10-lane competition courses (25 yard or meters)
• One, 10-lane competition course (50 meter) with two 25-yard warm-up lanes
• Multiple practice layouts including 25 cross lanes for up to 200 swimmers
• Two moveable bulkheads
• Two meter depth at starting blocks
• Four foot-depth at center of the pool for beginners sequestered by the bulkheads
• 13’6″ depth for up to four diving boards
• Hoist positions and steps for accessibility

Therapy Pool

• 660 square feet of water surface area
• Three-feet depth
• Continuous seating with jets
• Zero-depth entry ramp

Water Treatment

• Chlorine as sanitizer
• Medium pressure ultra violet to eliminate chloramines

Deck

• 16′ sides and 21′ ends with a continuous drain slot to provide minimum floor slope
• Portable seating for participants
• Direct access to pool deck from lockers and lobby via ramp

Timing Position

• Elevated timing position to accommodate main competition course with a second area to accommodate simultaneous events
• Electronic scoreboard and timing system

Locker Rooms

• Two locker rooms with access from pool deck
• Additional locker rooms with direct access to therapy pools
• Changing areas attached to office space for operations and co-location partners

Team Room

• Functions as instructional classroom, staging areas for meet officials and hospitality rooms

Building Dimensions and Structure

• 1,280 sqft of public lobby
• 4,500 sqft of bleacher deck
• Concessions, restrooms and therapy pool
• Insulated precast concrete walls and structural steel roof
• Natural light above the north wall to remove glare with additional windows to provide light and views
• LED lighting to supplement natural light
• Management office off deck with unobstructed views
• Additional office and treatment area for co-location partner