Construction continues in McDonough on Henry County’s new aquatic center. The county has approved shade structures to accompany the outdoor water park.
The aquatic center is scheduled to open in summer 2026. It is paid for by SPLOST V.
Aquatic Center Shade Structures
The aquatic center shade structures cover three areas:
- shade structures will cover the walkway leading to the outdoor water park, protecting the walkway from direct sun light in the summer heat,
- various structures will be available for rent around the edge of the water park, creating an additional revenue opportunity for the aquatic center, and
- a large shade structure will be near the food truck apron offering a seating area for guests to sit and eat.
Playworx Playsets LLC of Canton, GA will supply and install the shade structures. The cost is $493,409.23. The price includes the shade structures, shipping and installation costs.
Board members asked whether the original aquatic center design included the shade structures. County staff shared they chose to add the shade structures following discussions with Spivey Splash Water Park in Clayton County. Spivey Splash earned $142 thousand in 2023 and $175 thousand in 2024 from rental revenue. The shade structures can then offer a return on investment. They also protect guests from the sun.
The board voted 5-1 to approve the purchase; Commissioner Wilson voted in opposition.
Funding was available in the SPLOST V project budget for the purchase. The board approved a project budget amendment earlier this month. The amendment increased the project’s total budget to $55 million.
As of November, asphalt was poured for the parking lots and the steel structure was starting to rise. When complete in summer 2026, the venue will include an indoor competition pool and outdoor water park.
Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. of Carrolton, GA, is the general contractor. The project’s pool builder is Aqua Design Systems, Inc. of Fayetteville, GA. The center is located at 1177 Henry Parkway Connector in McDonough.
Editor’s note: The Henry Reporter owner Clayton Carte is employed part-time as Commissioner Wilson’s assistant.
Featured image shows a rendering of the aquatic center outdoor water park and shade structures. Henry County photo.
