RCC Natatorium Renovation Snags Major Award

RESTON, VA — The renovated Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center at the Reston Community Center snared top honors recently for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in the 2021 American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Mid-Atlantic Region awards.

The renovated natatorium, which reopened to the public in January 2020, received the award for Project of the Year for structures costing $5 - $25 million. The renovation process took three years from start to finish, including numerous feedback sessions with the public and a one-year closure to allow for construction.

“The RCC Board of Governors engaged with our community over many months to explore how to meet Reston swimmers’ needs as effectively as possible,” said RCC Board Chair Beverly Cosham, in a release. “The concept design that resulted has proven its validity in the popularity of the new pools as people experience them, even in the context of the pandemic.”

RCC's capital reserves funded the $5.5 million project, which included demolition of the old pool and the addition of two new pools — a 25-yard lap pool and an adjacent warm-water teaching and exercise pool. Additional improvements included a new roof, new equipment systems for water filtration and air-handling, and updates to the storm water management system and lockers. Artist Valerie Theberge also supplied a custom mosaic for the facility.

The natatorium's award is one of eight DPWES projects that earned honors at the Mid-Atlantic regional awards. RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon said that it will also be submitted for national recognition.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a more dedicated team from DPWES to oversee this effort and bring it to a successful conclusion,” said Gordon. “They led the project through many challenges and assured it met the highest standards for safety and quality at each step. We are extremely pleased they have been recognized by APWA for the result.”