Snohomish Aquatic Center

The new Aquatic Center serves both the Snohomish School District and the greater Snohomish community with a comprehensive facility. The design was driven by distinct needs for a competitive pool, recreational pool with associated amenities, and space for community meetings and events. The 52,000 sq. ft. building contains two separate natatoriums which are linked together through a window wall, creating a transparent connection between the two spaces.

This connectivity also extends to the environment beyond the center, with extensive perimeter clerestory windows, view glazing and large skylights that provide widespread daylighting. The facility features saline water recreational and competition pools, a water slide, therapy spa and surf simulator. The space includes district administrative offices, locker rooms, a concession/café area, reception, and community meeting and event spaces.

A challenge for the IBI design team was reducing operational costs to ensure the facility’s economic self-sufficiency. Part of this solution is accomplished by the sustainable design aspects of the building, which include heat recovery systems, energy efficient plumbing fixtures, and light sensors. The facility’s low-flow fixtures dispense one-third the amount of water of ordinary fixtures. The mechanical systems’ heat recovery ability and the use of high efficiency boilers help lower energy use and operational costs for the district.