North Clackamas Aquatic Center
north clackamas aquatic park
The North Clackamas Aquatic Park features five pools including a wave-action pool, diving pool, competition/lap pool, whirlpool, family play area, and a wading pool, as well as three high-rise slides. Navigation through the space is immediately clear due to the organization of the plan and transparency of the lobby. The program for the building was the result of a lengthy interactive process involving RSA, park district personnel, and community members. The wave-like roof shape is a signature gesture that asserts the Aquatic Park’s presence as a civic landmark and suggests the nature of the activities to be found within. The shape of the roof rises and swells over various zones of the natatorium, and the ceiling is alternately higher or lower as appropriate to the scale of the pools below. Generous areas of glazing illuminate the spaces and accentuate the rhythmic wave forms while visually connecting the natatorium to the park surroundings.