COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION
Warm-Water Pool Ready for Lessons, Therapy
The newest addition to the Westerville Community Center’s indoor aquatics space is now open. A brand new warm-water therapy pool was a major design feature when the expansion project for the Center was proposed to Westerville residents and passholders. Now complete, the 90-degree water temperature pool is ready for swimmers, lesson takers and users who need warm water for rehabilitation or other musculoskeletal therapy. The third pool in the building is up to eight degrees warmer than the leisure and lap pools. It includes three 20-yard lap lanes and a lazy river with a built-in bench. The pool also marks the return of the use of a Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter, which is known for keeping pools crystal clear.
What is a DE filter?
DE filters have the advantage of being able to screen materials going through them down to a couple microns, which is significantly smaller than most filters. The result is cleaner water. “The warmer water is especially good for individuals working through rehabilitation and/or needing relief for tired muscles,” said Bill Plessinger, Aquatics Manager for Westerville Parks and Recreation. “We will also schedule classes and other programming, like swim lessons, in this space.” Plessigner says classes like Aquacise and Aquaflex designed for people with arthritis and fibromyalgia and Water Yoga and Ai Chi, slow-movement water classes, will take place in the warm-water pool. Parent/Child swim lessons, special-needs swim and Infant Self Rescue classes will also be scheduled in this area. People entering the water may use the steps or the wheelchair-accessible ramp. Separate family locker rooms and restrooms are also available. Details can be found at www.westerville.org/aquatics. The pool sits between a new Party Room and the leisure pool and slides. It’s one of the features from the expansion project that sets the Westerville Community Center apart from anything else in the region. “There are places in Central Ohio you can swim indoors, but there is no place that has all these indoor aquatic spaces for the passholder price we offer,” said Plessinger. “You can swim, workout, play ball, climb and so much more here in a family-friendly environment that no other facility can match.” Hours are currently limited due to social-distancing regulations. As regulations change, hours will be expanded. See page 30 for details.
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