After One Month Delay, Renovated Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center to Open in December

Reston Community Center plans to open its renovated Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center in December — one month later than originally estimated.

The renovated facility brings two new pools — a 25-yard lap pool with beach entrance and water play features and a deeper, warm-water exercise pool — to the community. Other upgrades include a new roof, new water filtration and air-handling equipment, upgraded locker rooms and improved stormwater management.

“This project was entirely informed by the views of our aquatics patrons who helped us determine the features most desired. They participated in meetings, sent ideas and feedback to us, and followed the project development process carefully and thoughtfully. We hope they will enjoy the fruits of their contributions thoroughly,” said RCC Board of Governors Chair Beverly Cosham.

Executive Director Leila Gordon said the delay was caused by “unanticipated existing conditions with respect to our foundation and water infiltration from flaws in the stormwater drainage system for the building, as well as an acute labor shortage in the aquatics construction industry that delayed that specialized work significantly.”

She said construction is expected to be completed on Dec. 3. Crews have been working weekends and longer hours to ensure the project is complete by December.

Although RCC hoped to offer swim classes as early as November, the center will not be able to offer swim programming due to the ongoing construction efforts.

Patrons who registered for classes in November and December will receive notification from staff to make other arrangements. The Reston Masters and South Lakes High School swim teams will also be back at the center for their practice sessions soon.

The facility — which was built in 1979 — was closed on Jan 1. to jumpstart the renovation effort.

Photo via RCC