The Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center opened in 1989. It consists of a 50-meter competitive swimming and diving pool, a 200-foot water flume, a separate leisure pool with two hydrotherapy areas, and a diving tower. Since its opening, the center has had problems related to the movement and condensation of moist indoor air through the building's exterior masonry walls, resulting in roof leakage throughout the building. The original scope of the project was to remove and restore existing windows and louvers; remove the 4-inch masonry veneer block throughout the facility, and correct louvers, windows, and penetration flashings; install spray-applied wall insulation functioning as both air/vapor barrier system; install a new exterior masonry veneer wall system; and replace the existing roof. During the design evaluation of the entire facility, a structural review was performed for the existing conditions, and it was determined that the existing exterior walls will require significantly greater structural modifications than were known prior to the evaluation, which has increased the project scope, budget, and schedule to complete the work. In addition, it was determined that the pool equipment and the HVAC systems were at the end of their useful life and also require full system replacements. The Office for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance in the Department of General Services (DGS) also conducted a full review and design for implementation and remediation of all non-compliance issues at the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center. Taken in totality, the facility will require closure for a minimum of (24) months. Closure of the aquatic center is being coordinated with the Department of Recreation and other CIP projects, including MLK Aquatic Center and the opening of the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, to limit the impact of closed indoor facilities on patrons. In order to facilitate a longer closure period for the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center project, a water heating system has been installed, and weatherization of the shower rooms will be improved at the Glenmont Outdoor Pool to allow for extended season use of the outdoor pool both prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day. These improvements will facilitate swim and revenue generating activities that would otherwise be eliminated or harmed by the extended closure of the Kennedy Shriver Aquatics Center.

Design work started in FY22, with some construction investigation continuing in FY24. Construction started in FY25 in coordination with the completion of the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, which was fully operational before closing the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center for renovation.

Cost increase reflects project escalation.

The refurbishment part of this project is funded by Recreation Facilities Refurbishment - project (P722105) as well as Recreation Facilities Refurbishment-Indoor Pools (P722506). The Netzero part of the project is funded by Altagas-WGL Merger Fund (P362106) and Elevator Replacement part is funded by Elevator Modernization (P509923).

Department of General Services, Department of Recreation, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Special Capital Projects Legislation [Bill No. 15-22] was adopted by Council July 25, 2022.