(FRISCO-March 14, 2013) The 2008 Olympic Trials pool is coming to Frisco. This Friday, as USA Swimming Team Frisco Aquatics breaks ground on a new 30,000 square foot facility, the Olympic Trials warmup pool will also find a home in the “Best Place to Raise an Athlete,” as named by Men’s Journal Magazine.
The 2008 Olympic Trial warm-up pool was originally planned for inclusion of a new facility in Richmond, Virginia, which kept the main competition pool but scratched the plan to include the additional warmup pool. The warmup pool includes a full size Olympic pool and additional 4 lane 25-yard side pool.
The opportunity opened the door for Frisco Aquatics to have a piece of Olympic history of their own, as well as cut costs for the Frisco project by incorporating the Olympic warmup pools in their build out of a 50 x 25 yard competition pool.
The team has raised funds for the project with “Fill-the-Pool” themed events and will continue to raise funds by offering brick and tile engravings as the project is underway. The estimated cost of the project, at under $6 million, is one of the most affordable swimming build-outs because of the resourceful materials and open-air design.
WHEN: Friday, March 15th
TIME: 11:30am
WHERE: 8353 Legacy Drive – property north of Cotton Gin Road, Frisco, TX (Between the Fire Station and Quick Trip)
The groundbreaking ceremony includes city officials, school district representatives, local businesses and swim team members. A light lunch will be provided by Jersey Mike’s and following the ceremony, the Frisco Aquatics swimmers will enjoy some spring break fun with a grand pool party, complete with games, diving, and of course swimming, at the F.I.S.D Natatorium where they currently practice.
“We’re running out of room,” said club owner and CEO of First Interval Swimming, Dan McDonough. “Collin and Denton Counties are among the fastest growing in the nation, and the interest we’ve seen in our programs has reflected that. We are building our own facility with the plan to expand community aquatic programming. We’re at our limits, lessons programs have wait lists, adult programming and water safety programs are severely limited due to lack of water space.”
The project entails a combined Olympic-size competition pool and warmup – lessons pool, an enclosed viewing area for lessons, and sides that open up to provide the best air quality for swimmers and program participants. The facility will allow the team to host meets and events, as well as the community aquatic programming that the Frisco area currently lacks.
The selected construction group, Adolphson & Peterson, has built numerous aquatics facility across the Southwest, including a current pool project in Lewisville, Texas. The Frisco Economic Development Corporation, First National Bank and the U.S. Small Business Association have assisted in making this project come to realization with financing and partnerships.
“For people involved in competitive swimming, this is a huge announcement,” said, Katy Motsinger, coach for Frisco Aquatics. “This facility will greatly enhance the training of our current and future athletes, but more than that, it will also provide ample opportunities for kids across North Texas to participate in something that can keep them active for life. We want to make sure that all of North Texas has access to world-class facilities.”
