Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center

The Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present the final layout of the Drake Springs Aquatic Center at Nelson Park. The design has been completed and is based on the ideas and input received from the public during the design charette held in October 2007. The layout shows all of the features planned for Drake Springs, but some may need to be added in the future depending on bids received for construction.

Click Image for Larger Version

Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center features three separate bodies of water spread out on the site. The grade of the site offers the unique ability to set the three bodies of water at different elevations, creating a visually appealing look. To the west of the site is the 2,800 square foot zero-depth pool with a 600 square foot spray area in front of it. The zero-depth/spray area will include a “safari jeep” toddler slide, a “spin-n-spill” water feature, and numerous interactive spray features. This area will offer plenty of different play opportunities for toddlers and young children.

The lap/diving pool is located east of the zero-depth pool. This body of water features four 25-yard lap lanes for lap swimming, a 1 and 3-meter diving board, and a bump-out area for a future climbing wall. The climbing wall may be added to the project if there is funding available. Drake Springs will be the first pool to have this feature in the Sioux Falls Park system.

The 3rd body of water will be a plunge pool for the slide complex, connected to a 400-foot lazy river. There will be a 54” open flume raft slide with available space for a future 32” enclosed body slide. The body slide may be added to the project if there is funding available. Slide users can either exit the water from the plunge pool or continue on to the lazy river. There are also two themed spray features along the lazy river to keep the user wet.

The bodies of water are all connected throughout the site with hard surfaced pathways designed to accommodate those with limited mobility. There is a commons area at the center of the facility to watch the action or enjoy food from the concessions. Two shade areas will also be added depending on funding availability. The bathhouse includes common changing areas, two family changing areas, and concessions on the west end. There is also plenty of grass area within the fences to rest.

The project is scheduled to bid on May 29th, with construction to start in June/July 2008. We are planning to open the facility in June 2009, depending on weather or construction-related delays. The existing pool will remain open during construction until the new facility is completed.