PoolTalk

Thorpe Center tour

Pyrmont Progress gives an update on the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Ceter: "The Centre is the last project designed by architect Harry Seidler. Perhaps the main feature is the wave of the roof structure which soars without obstruction by internal beams or columns  above  a vast open space. The building which includes a main pool, program pool, hydrotherapy facilities and a gymnasium also features low energy usage with natural light and ventilation, and storage and reuse of rain water captured off the roof." 

Ian Thorpe pool

James O'Brien visits the Ian Thorpe pool: "And then today, I went to the “Open Day” at the Ian Thorpe Pool, currently under construction on Harris Street, Ultimo. As the Local Member and Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, walked along the line (yes, there’s a State Election next week), I overheard an interesting commentary about the significance of this pool: that unlike the Cook & Phillip Pool, which mostly serves the business community, this pool has a significant local residential population that can use it."

See the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Center on Saturday

Sydney Media has the details: "In response to community interest to see the building, between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 17 March the public will have the opportunity to view aspects of the centre. This will include the 50m pool, leisure pool, program pool as well as the fitness centre.

"The Centre is nearing completion and we know local residents are eager to begin using it.  Although it is still under construction, visitors will be able to view the centre and the plans for how this incredible building will look once finished," Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said.

"The Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre will be a fantastic addition to Sydney's sporting and recreation facilities and the City is excited about opening it in the coming months." "

Aquatic center terms

click Waterpark Lingo for more terms

DUMP BUCKET/TIPPING BUCKET/TUMBLE BUCKET

These play elements come in a few varieties. In large, interactive playgrounds, they fill with upwards of 500 gallons of water, which dumps on people below. There also are smaller types that fill up with a gallon or so of water before dumping.

LAZY RIVER/LEISURE RIVER

A winding channel of water that uses pumps to create a slow current to pushes people along

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Center

Guess who showed up at the site of the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Center? Ian Thorpe, that's who.

A center in Texas for $13 million

"The pool has a 50-meter pool that can be adjusted into two 25-yard pools, and three diving boards. It also contains a weight room, a class room and other amenities."

And it's all for $13 million, acording to report in the Courier-Leader Star, near Dallas: "That's the price tag on the latest 50-meter-and-then-some investment by the Lewisville Independent School District into The Colony - the LISD Aquatic Center."

From board to board

From North Lake Tahoe, an incredible story of an unusual dive:

I suggested to Andy that he act as my coach, and coax me out to the end of the high diving board where I would pretend I was too scared to jump, then turn, and leap to the low diving board.

You really think you can jump that far?" asked Andy.

"Sure I can! Doesn't a cat know by the length of his whiskers if he can squeeze through a fence or not?"

"Okay, but don't you think you should practice it first?"

"Nope, I only want to do it once." I admitted, and we shook hands for luck.

How does the story end? click here

Mt. Lebanon, PA

Mt. Lebanon, PA., is using a municipal blog to keep citizens infomed about plans for the new aquatic center:
"At Mt. Lebanon Municipality, when we say we want public input, we mean it—and we want to be sure that our residents are well-informed as the proposed aquatic center project progresses through the feasibility study phase,  to the design, the funding and the eventual construction of a center that will serve our community well."

Cary, N.C.

In N.C., Cary is making big plans: "Cary’s Town Council agreed Nov. 8 to put up the funds for what could be a $30 million competitive facility in north Cary — but only if local competitive swimming backers come up with at least $5 million on their own."

Las Cruces

Las Cruces is planning an aqautic center, too, also for more than $12 million. See what Alternative Comment has to say:
"Now that Las Cruces will have an aquatic center, which government officials will approve it’s planning, design and construction? Will the job be left to the City Council which has shown little interest or commitment to such a facility? Who will ensure that this energy intensive facility is energy efficient and uses clean renewable energy?"