Regent Park Aquatic Centre has been conceived as a ‘Pavilion in the Park’, very open at the base, and bisected lengthwise by a ‘dorsal fin’ of aquatic hall sky lighting. The building form was shaped to utilize its solar orientation. A large canopy to the south forms a generous public verandah at the main entrance, while a low continuous window overlooking the park to the west provides views, while minimizing heat gain from the afternoon sun. Replacing an existing outdoor pool, the project captures a feeling of transparency and connection to the outdoors. The aquatic centre has sliding glass doors off the main pool hall for access to the park-side terrace, as well as natural ventilation opportunities. Responding to the views from the new high-rise towers surrounding the park, the building’s Green Roof is designed as a fifth elevation integrating with the building features and park setting.

In the last three decades, Regent Park has become an immigrant settlement community. As such, the new Aquatic Centre offers a new level of accommodation with the addition of a complete system of aquatics hall screening for those cultural groups interested in privacy swims. The adoption of this new progressive feature along with the universal change rooms, the combination of fitness, leisure, and therapeutic aquatic uses, and the open and inviting design have greatly increased interest in the City’s aquatic venues. This project typifies the design legacy commitment of the Regent Park revitalization program.

Regent Park Aquatic Centre is a multi-purpose year-round indoor swimming pool facility that includes a 25m 6-lane pool, leisure pool, tot pool, hot tub, slide, tarzan rope, diving board, and a large multi-purpose community room.

The aquatic centre is the first facility in Canada to adopt the singular use of universal change rooms, no longer separating males and females, rather common change rooms with private change cubicles. This establishes equality; addressing cultural and gender identity issues, while also enhancing the openness, safety, and visibility through the entire complex.