JUMP ON IN!
NORTHWEST FLORIDA AQUATIC
SPORTS AND TRAINING CENTER
We're making a splash.
The idea of a regional aquatic center was conceived by a passionate community of swimmers and divers, determined to enhance the opportunities for aquatic athletes of all ages, ultimately benefitting the entire Northwest Florida Region. This effort is being supported by multiple stakeholders throughout the region who are working together to make this dream a reality.
Welcome to our exciting journey of discovering the perfect location and designing the ideal facility to cater to the needs of our vibrant community. We are currently in the initial stages of this process, carefully exploring various options to ensure we create a space that truly benefits everyone. Join us as we embark on this endeavor to build a remarkable hub that will enhance the lives of our community members.
Take a few moments to check out the Hampton, Virginia Aquaplex. It's a great example of a possible concept that we are trying to bring to Northwest Florida.
INFORMATION
Northwest Florida has a robust swimming and diving community that continues to grow. The need has been identified to enhance the opportunities for all aquatic athletes by constructing a regional aquatic center that will serve the needs of local athletes, create opportunities for swimmers in the entire Southeast region of the United States, and attract competitions of national prominence. The idea for a regional aquatic center was developed by the City of Niceville based on its assessment of an area-wide community need.
The Northwest Florida Aquatic Sports and Training Center will allow for large-scale swimming and diving events to take place and provide a sports tourism benefit with a lasting economic benefit impacting the entire Northwest Florida region. All public authorities in Okaloosa and Walton counties have been asked to join the effort through an area-wide Interlocal Agreement.
BENEFITS
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Opportunity for national prominence
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Increased tourism and associated economic impact
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Hub for community engagement while promoting health and well-being
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Provide advancement and development opportunities for all skill levels
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Opportunities for increased partnerships
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A decline in youth drowning associated with aquatic education
Interested in learning more about the proposed aquatic center? As soon as the documents become available, we will promptly share them with you here.
An assessment of factors
to determine the feasibility
of establishing an
aquatic center complex
in the City of
Niceville, Florida
A slideshow of the highlights of the report to the Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency on the economic impact for an aquatic center in northwest Florida
WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED
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Six potential sites
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a 50-meter x 25-yard, eight-lane competition pool, 8-foot depth, outdoor heated, Myrtha-designed pool.
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25-meter x 25-yard flexible pool, which could be enclosed and used as a heated training pool.
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A zero entry to a 4-foot splash pool with a splash pad.
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An adjacent 12-foot – 16-foot deep diving, surface and sub-surface, well.
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Large decks with abundant shade, including spectator bleachers.
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A building to house administration, training, locker rooms with individual showers, lounge, and snack bar.
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Parking for both cars and buses.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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$235 million economic impact benefitting the area businesses including the hospitality industry
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Events: Initially 12 per year, adding 2 each year. By 2035, host 32 events each year
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457 direct and indirect jobs created
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Construction Cost: $15-$20 million
POTENTIAL
FUNDING SOURCES
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Triumph Gulf Coast
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Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners
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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
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Local governments
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Private donations
IN THE NEWS
Our esteemed media partners have been buzzing with excitement regarding the aquatics center proposal. Discover the insights they have to offer by exploring their thoughts here.
STAY IN THE KNOW
