Greensburg, IN — Cabanas, lazy river, curly slides and more would highlight a new aquatic center to replace Decatur County’s Allen Memorial Pool under a ‘Concept and Visioning’ rendering presented to the Greensburg Decatur County Aquatic Center Committee.
The Greensburg Decatur County Aquatic Center Committee is made up of representatives from the Decatur County Parks and Recreation, Decatur County Visitors Commission, Decatur County Community Foundation, READI Committee of the Economic Development Corporation of Greensburg-Decatur County, and project renderings by Context Design and Spear Corporation.
Using the existing footprint, Context Design and Spear Corporation have created a 3D Design Layout to incorporate zero-depth entry, two water slides, a diving well, a family slide, a lazy river, and more.
The Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department feels this complete renovation will allow for more options for sun safety offering cabanas for rent and shade overhangs to encourage healthy living.
The lazy river will feature a water vortex that allows for leisurely floating or rehabilitation when one walks against the current.
These elements in addition to solar panels for clean energy, inclusive family aquatic play structures, and a concession stand with a picnic area are designed to create an all-inclusive recreational attraction.
The Parks and Recreation Department plans to continue offering swim lessons and expand its programs to include dive-in movies, water yoga, and more.
The 2021 Regional Enhancement and Acceleration Development Initiative (READI) plan, based on input from the local public, cited the community pool as a quality-of-life amenity worthy of much-needed investment.
The project was then inserted in the Accelerate Rural Indiana regional partnership application and our region was awarded $20 Million for all projects, with $1.5 Million committed to the aquatic center.
The Decatur County Community Foundation will be serving as the fiscal agent for the project’s funding.
“The Decatur County Community Foundation is proud to be a part of this community project,” said Foundation Executive Director Tami Wenning. “Projects like these are exactly what the Foundation is here to help with.”
The current pool opened to the public in 1959 and was operated by the Lions Club for 15 years. It was then given to the Decatur County Parks and Recreation which operated the pool until the end of season 2022. The pool has continued in use with major and minor upgrades, but has reached its end of life cycle and is no longer feasible to operate for the coming year.
“The Allen Memorial Swimming Pool has served our community well for over 60 years. When talks of a new facility first began several months ago, the idea of adding a new family-friendly aquatic center was beyond exciting” said Teresa Kovacich, Decatur County Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
The renovated design proposal includes:
- Two large water slides that end in a plunge pool.
- An extended-width family slide for multiuse.
- A floating lily pad and holding net obstacle course at the waist depth area for additional programming opportunities.
- A diving well featuring a diving board with a dedicated lifeguard stand
- The space would also feature deck space for seating and shade throughout the facility, a concession area, family changing rooms, and rentable cabanas.
- A lazy river with a ramp entrance
- Rock Climbing Wall
- A zero-depth entry splash pad with shade and seating areas, including a water wheelchair lift and ramp.
Currently, the Decatur County Youth Sports Complex draws guests from a 110 Mile radius and the new Aquatic Center hopes to provide entertainment and attraction for these guests, as well as be a feature destination spot in the region for multi-generational outdoor recreation. This will lead to added economic benefits for the community and partners.
To see all of the proposed renderings and learn more about this project, visit comeswimwithus.com.
(Economic Development Corporation of Greensburg/Decatur County)
