Henry County officials gathered on Thursday, March 14, for the groundbreaking of the new aquatic center. The new venue in McDonough is the county’s largest project in SPLOST V.
Aquatic Center Groundbreaking
The county’s plans for an aquatic center began in 2019. At the time, county commissioners opted to include the project on the SPLOST V project list. Voters subsequently approved the SPLOST program that fall. Now, on the eve of voters considering SPLOST again this November, the county is starting construction on its largest project.
The new venue has been described as unlike any other aquatic center in metro Atlanta. Major elements include an indoor competition swimming pool, indoor therapy pool and outdoor water park. The water park will have a lazy river, surf wave rider, activity pool and other water features / slides. Finally, there is an upstairs rooftop terrace and two outdoor video screens. Site work includes two new parking lots and a new road to access the venue.
The project contractor is Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. of Carrolton, GA. The project’s pool builder is Aqua Design Systems, Inc. of Fayetteville, GA. Together, the two companies have extensive experience building aquatic centers. A recent example of their work is the Clayton County International Water Park.
The project’s total budget has increased to $53 million dollars. This includes about $50 million in construction costs. Construction is estimated to conclude in spring 2026.
Road Access
The new venue is located off Henry Parkway Connector. This is the four-lane road between Henry Parkway and state route 155. The road is also part of the McDonough Parkway. This road project, when complete, will provide a bypass around downtown McDonough. The connection between state routes 20 / 81 and Henry Parkway is under construction now. It should open before the aquatic center.
Featured image shows the aquatic center groundbreaking in March 2024. Clayton Carte photo.
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