When Auburn University Campus Recreation set out to design its leisure pool, the result would be something that was uniquely Auburn. Corie Baldwin, the assistant director of Assessment, Aquatics and Risk Management, shared students already had access to the indoor Olympic-size lap pool, so this allowed the aquatics team to focus on a leisure pool that was at the quality of a high-end luxury resort style facility.
“We wanted a space on campus students could escape to,” said Baldwin. “We hoped the students would be proud of the aquatics area and want to show it off to their friends.”
The result was, in fact, uniquely Auburn and has turned the aquatics area into a tour highlight to all who visit the Recreation and Wellness Center.
The 200,000-gallon pool has three parts:
- A zero-depth section that is a tanning shelf and contains a variety of lounge chairs.
- A main section that features a volleyball court, basketball goals, lane lines, benches and giant inflatables to provide an option for most patrons to stand comfortably in the water.
- A smaller section with a 12-foot diving well that houses the diving board and 25-foot climbing wall.
In addition to the resort-style leisure and activity pool, there’s also a tiger-shaped hot tub. It holds 45 people and provides a luxury space for patrons to watch Auburn sports with friends on the pool deck’s 70-inch TV. To add to the extravagant experience, a towel service is available that includes free, full-size towels for all members, and furniture including lounge chairs and cushioned couches.
While the aquatics space exudes luxury, James Morgan, the coordinator of Aquatics, added it also provides space for camaraderie and fun. “Our patrons enjoy the opportunity to relax in a welcoming environment to enjoy the sun, but they also come to the pool to compete in competitions or play a game of pickup water basketball,” said Morgan.
EXTRA CREDIT: Here’s an in-depth look at leisure and passive recreation in campus rec.
There are multiple events throughout the year to engage the student body. To kick off the fall semester, Campus Recreation hosts Splash Bash. Complete with a DJ, students can compete in diving competitions for prizes, or just relax.
In the winter, the department offers the annual Polar Plunge, benefitting Special Olympics. Participants get the chance to jump in the icy pool before retreating to the hot tub while sipping hot cocoa to warm up.
Morgan added March Madness is another fun time of year for students. “A three-on-three water basketball tournament creates a fun and competitive environment that’s heightened by showing college basketball games in the pool area for participants to enjoy,” he described.
When it comes to unique pool design and programming, both Baldwin and Morgan advised listening to your students’ wants and needs, know the programs you want to hold, understand how a unique pool design will impact that and consider future aquatics trends. Additionally, with apartment pools becoming a trend for student living, they suggested finding what will enable your facility to stand out to students.
“Our pool is heated and cooled, not something many apartments offer,” said Baldwin. “We open earlier in the season than most apartments, and we pride ourselves in the cleanliness and safety that we offer all patrons. All programming is centered around students. No children’s swim lessons or family day activities are available to the community, making the campus recreation pool a facility solely for our members.”
