DJC Oregon: New aquatic center designed for Northgate Park in Portland
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- North Portland Aquatic Center was designed by Scott Edwards Architecture
- Howard S. Wright is the project’s construction manager/general contractor
- Facility will include a 35-meter competition pool and a recreation pool
- Construction is expected to begin in fall 2027 and wrap up in 2029
Construction of a new, 59,900-square-foot indoor aquatic center at Northgate Park in Portland is on track to begin next year. The design calls for a 35-meter, approximately 8,600-square-foot competition pool and an approximately 5,500-square-foot recreation pool.
The North Portland Aquatic Center will be built in the park’s northwest area, and parking will be built in the northeast area. The park is at 9415 N. Geneva Ave.
Scott Edwards Architecture designed the approximately $91.5 million project for Portland Parks & Recreation. The project team also includes civil engineer Vega Civil Engineering, structural engineer WDY Inc., landscape architect Mayer/Reed, and construction manager/general contractor Howard S. Wright.
Approximately 70,000 people will be served by the aquatic center, according to Portland Parks & Recreation projections. Of that population, 24 percent are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, and 14 percent live below the federal poverty line, the project’s website states. The facility’s programming will include swimming lessons, water fitness classes, lap swimming, competitive swimming, training classes, and open play.
The competition pool will have 13 lap lanes, and the recreation pool will have a slide, a lazy river, and some play equipment, Scott Edwards Architecture principal Jesse Graden said. There will be some spectator seating on the mezzanine level overlooking the competition pool. Also on that level, overlooking the recreation pool there will be rentable rooms for parties and other events.
Other indoor amenities will include multi-gender and non-gender locker rooms, and family changing rooms.
There will be covered bike parking at the front entrance and bus stops at the facility.
The main entry will connect to North Fessenden Street, north of Northgate Park, Graden said. That entry will feature a paved plaza space providing pathways for people walking, biking or traveling by bus on Fessenden Street or by car or LIFT bus via the parking lot, Portland Parks & Recreation spokesperson Mark Ross stated in an email. The plaza will include native plantings, new trees, seating areas and views of public art installations outside of the center.
A secondary entrance on North Geneva Avenue will be dedicated to staff and athletes.