GRACRE AWARD-WINNING PROJECT

Baskervill designed Central Virginia's first elite training and competition facility for the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP). The highlight of the 54,000-SF facility is the 50-meter competition pool from the 2008 USA Olympic Trials in Omaha. This historic pool, which saw nine World, 21 National, and 17 U.S. Open records broken during its tenure at the 2008 Olympic trails in Omaha, was completely deconstructed, relocated, and rebuilt in Richmond. The complex also includes a spacious, naturally-lit lobby, 25-yard multi-purpose training pool and a Hydroworx therapy pool, a grandstand capable of seating 700 spectators, as well as a grand lobby, community room, locker rooms, strength and conditioning room, and swim shop. Interior finishes take cues from the water itself in blue and green tones. Specialty materials and systems, among them load-bearing precast insulated panels, insulated concrete floors with a continuous vapor barrier, and energy recovery dehumidification systems, have been incorporated to protect the building from the potentially corrosive atmosphere inherent with indoor pool environments.

Built to inspire, the world-class Greater Richmond Aquatic Partnership Aquatic Center is the result of a collaboration of numerous Greater Richmond-area athletic organizations and educational institutions including Collegiate Schools, Trinity Episcopal School, Poseidon Swimming, Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club, and Sports Backers. Committed to giving back to the community, GRAP will lend this facility to the Richmond Area elementary schools. It is the goal of GRAP to have every Richmond Area child swimming before they graduate from second grade.