Loma Verde Community Center and Aquatic Center
Chula Vista, Calif.
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: COAR Design Group
Owner: City of Chula Vista
Main design company: COAR Design Group
General contractor: EC Constructors
Civil Engineer: Delane Engineering
Structural Engineer: Orie2 Engineering
Mechanical Engineer: McParlane & Associates
Electrical Engineer: Elen Consulting
Aquatic consulting: Councilor-Hunsaker
Landscape architect: flower bed
A grand opening in December 2023 marked the completion of this multi-phase, $22 million design-build project that expanded and replaced an outdated pool facility with a 25,800-square-foot aquatics and recreation center.
To meet and exceed the project’s ultimate goal of creating a community center to foster recreation, wellness, and diverse and advanced aquatic programming, Phase 1 included construction of the recreation center and a portion of the aquatic center staff and changing rooms. Phase 2 completed the aquatic center facilities, which include an Olympic-sized competition pool for swimming, diving and water polo, a therapy/teaching pool for swimming lessons and senior swimming, a field of ‘sprinkling for children, a multipurpose training room and association. spaces for use of the swimming pool.
Photo by Pablo Mason
The scope also included a deck area and bleachers for viewing events, as well as outdoor training areas and a children’s playground.
The project team chose to use concrete masonry units (CMU) for their durability, versatility, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. CMU ensures long-lasting structures that can withstand various environmental conditions and occupant uses.
Photo by Pablo Mason
During construction, a crane system was requested to be installed for water pump maintenance in the pool mechanical room. With all the various pipes running through the room and ceiling space, and so much large equipment requiring floor clearance, locating a permanent crane or hoist-type equipment to lift the pumps out of the pit the bomb was a coordination challenge. Expert knowledge helped determine a location and the crane was installed, providing staff with the ability to remove and reinstall their pumps for maintenance work.
Photo by Pablo Mason
The facility design evolved through a participatory process with feedback from the community, the city’s parks and recreation department, and facility staff members. The complex now has two swimming pools, a splash pad, a multi-purpose gymnasium, dance halls, a craft room, fitness room, game room, staff offices, changing rooms and lifeguard break rooms, locker rooms and measurements of accessibility updated.
