Because other pool facilities in Sunnyvale meet the community’s needs for lap and competitive swimming, the Washington Community Swim Center project focused on the recreational aspects of swimming, water play, swim lessons and therapeutic uses. The complete replacement and enhancement of the Washington Pool complex included the pool, deck, and community, locker and maintenance buildings as well as enhancing the dynamic Washington Park surroundings.
Universal accessibility and programming were two of the major objectives for the community swim center. Provisions to ensure that children and adults of all ability levels are able to partake and enjoy the aquatic experience can be seen throughout the facility, from the pool’s zero depth entry, to the accessible splash pad to the additional gender neutral and family restrooms. The new swim center’s universal programming truly offers activities at the pool for all ages and all abilities. It’s a one-stop-shop for the whole family. With an accessibly designed, versatile u-shaped hybrid pool, splash pad and shaded picnic areas, the facility supports swim lessons, lap swim, recreational swimming, water play, and therapeutic uses so that all members of the family, from toddlers to seniors, can be engaged at their own level at the same time. Features also include a new family observation area, a multipurpose room for training and year-round events, a lifeguard control room, and staffing and registration areas.