Construction is well underway on the Mobile County Aquatic Center, a project designed to relieve the growing strain on local swim meets and provide expanded opportunities for both competitive and recreational aquatics. The construction of the new center is split into two building phases.
The Mobile County Aquatic League hosted its city meet at Bishop State Community College back in July, with a competition field of around 500 athletes. The combination of coaches, swimmers, and spectators made for a very crowded venue.
“A lot of energy and enthusiasm, probably as loud as I’ve heard it before in there today. First time I think I’ve had to cover my ears in there, and I’ve been here for twenty years,” said Tyler Kerns, the head coach of the City of Mobile Swim Association, in an interview with WKRG News, “The new aquatic center that’s coming online in April or May. And hopefully, next year, we’ll host this meet there.”
According to Mobile County, the first phase includes a 25-yard by 50-meter outdoor competition pool, two dive wells, an indoor instructional and warm-up pool, locker rooms, restrooms, a concessions/check-in building, and 176 parking spaces.
With a 25-yard by 25-meter indoor competition pool, 645 seats, and an extra lobby, office, and concessions space, Phase II of the expansion grows the complex even further. The City of Mobile Swim Association claims that when the Mobile County Aquatic Center is finished, it will be the state’s second-largest aquatic facility.
The Mobile County Public School System, the City of Mobile, Mobile County, and federal grants have contributed almost $22 million to the project.
The additional lane space from the six-lane pool at Bishop State Community College and additional spectator seating will allow for a smoother competition experience, alleviating the congestion that often occurs at current venues in the area.
The aquatic center will also have uses for many other swimming-related activities, such as diving, Masters swimming, instructional programming, water-based fitness instruction, and underwater robotic vehicle racing. The facility will also be used by the Coast Guard and Marine Corps, as well as area police and fire departments for training.
The pool will not have two dive wells. It will have two one meters at the end of the pool.
I am very happy that the summer league in Mobile, AL county will now have the space it richly deserves. The M-CAL has suffered for way too long. This has been a long time coming for this proud organization.
Congratulations Mobile! This is exactly what USA Swimming ought to have a leadership initative with target of bringing 100 new facilities into use in the next ten years.
I hope there is or will be an additional area for parking or that will be created or the main problem at this facility will the parking.