MINNEAPOLIS - The first public indoor pool in Minneapolis opens later this month.
The Phillips Aquatics Center, located inside the Phillips Community Center, will offer year-round indoor swimming.
Construction on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board project has been going on for more than a year.
"The community has been so anxious to see the pool actually be up and running. They've been waiting for a long time. This neighborhood hasn't had access to water. There isn't a nearby lake and so this actually will provide people the opportunity to learn to swim or to enjoy water fitness all year long," said Tyrize Cox, assistant superintendent for the Minneapolis Parks' Recreation Division.
The aquatics center includes a renovated six-lane competition pool and a new four-lane teaching pool.
"This community is both diverse in culture, race, and language and so bringing all of these groups together at one time, this is a perfect place to do that," Cox said. "With all of the lakes in the city, we want to make sure that either long-term members of the community or new immigrants of the community develop the ability to swim so that they're able to enjoy the lakes or enjoy waterways and be safe with it."
Cox said accessibility was important to them. The teaching pool includes zero-depth accessibility which helps swimmers who are in a wheelchair or may need assistance. The competition pool also has a chairlift.
According to Cox, they have also established a girls and women swim time for those who want more privacy while swimming.
"We've included window treatments that are completely opaque so no one can see in or out and protects the modesty of the community," Cox said.
Other features include a new family changing room, renovated showers and locker rooms, as well as an updated fitness center. The competition pool also features a spectator area.
Primary funding for the $7.5 million project was provided by Minneapolis Park Board, Minneapolis Public Schools, State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Foundation and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Many other local non-profits and community organizations also contributed to the project.
A grand opening celebration will take place Saturday, April 21 at 11:30 a.m.
Members of the community can take part in Open House Week, as well:
Wednesday, April 11, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 12, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 13, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 1–4 p.m.
Monday, April 16, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, 4:30–7:30 p.m.