Hurlburt opens newly renovated aquatic center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis Spain
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla., --  Renovations to the Hurlburt Field Aquatic Center were completed March 1, here.

The newly renovated aquatic center boasts a number of improvements for all Hurlburt Airmen and families.

"The renovations make it safer to enjoy what is offered here," said Lt. Col. Chris Foltz, an administrative services commander with the 705th Training Squadron. “The improvements will bring a more efficient and long lasting facility for generations to come.”

For the first time in over six years, the pool deck was replaced – this time with cool-crete, a concrete solution that stays cool to the touch.

“Before this, the aquatic center was deteriorating,” said Shelby Hood, aquatic manager with the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron. “There were a lot of bandages, but we wanted to redo the pool the right way.”

"The swimmers are definitely better off with the renovations because they no longer have to worry about burning their feet,” said Bekka Boyd, a lifeguard at the aquatic center. “The pool is also more accommodating to all audiences, and allows handi-cap swimmers easier access to a lift.”

The lift is designed to seat the individual from outside of the pool and gently hoist them into the water at the shallow end of the pool.

Additional renovations included repainting and re-patching the bathroom walls.

“This is about taking care of our Airmen,” Hood said. “I want them to come to a new, clean and safe environment where they can work out.”

The aquatic center staff also installed light poles around the pool, added a final coat of paint to the pool deck, completed the installation of drains and finished final touches on landscaping.

The aquatic center hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7 a.m. as a part of their winter schedule. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the hours of operation are scheduled to be Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in accordance to their summer hours.

For more information contact the aquatic center at (850)-884-6866.