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April 6, 2011 – BOLIVAR, MO - This fall, the City of Bolivar and the Bolivar YMCA will be unveiling two spectacular indoor pools that transform into an outdoor facility at the touch of a button. Swimmers will be able to splash around in the summer sun – and when it gets cold or rainy, they can swim under the protection of a glazed OpenAire retractable roof. It’s an ideal swim experience – all year round.
OpenAire is designing, manufacturing and installing the retractable roof enclosure that will cover the aquatic area. They are working closely with Butler, Rosenbury and Partners and Wirt-Flavin Construction, both of Springfield, MO, and Westport Pools of St. Louis to ensure the design vision is achieved.
The project is in partnership with the Roy Blunt YMCA, who will manage and operate the new facility. The Aquatic Center will have two pools, including a large 54’ (16.46m) x 60’ (18.29m) lap pool and a 70’ (21.34m) x 80’ (24.38m) leisure pool covered by a 110’ (33.5m) x 171’ (52.12m) OpenAire enclosure. Designed with OpenAire’s exclusive maintenance-free thermally broken aluminum framing system, the enclosure will feature an operable roof that can open up to 45% in good weather, providing fresh air and natural ventilation. Translucent polycarbonate roof panels and) vertical glass walls that are 43’ (13.10m) at their highest point flood the area with natural light and provide great views of the landscaped grounds.
The project began when the City decided to replace an old, outdated pool that was no longer meeting the needs of the community. They chose to build a modern aquatic center in its place as part of a “healthy living campus” made up of the existing seniors’ center, seniors’ health center, public library and the Bolivar YMCA. Their vision was for a cutting-edge facility that would improve quality of life for residents, and create a draw that would attract people from outside the city.
OpenAire invited City Administrator Ron Mersch and members of the design team to Big Splash Island Adventure Waterpark in French Lick, Indiana, where they could experience the benefits of an OpenAire retractable roof enclosure first hand.
“When the Bolivar design team saw what we had done at Big Splash, they realized what a draw a structure like that would be for their own city,” says David Bolwerk, Vice President Sales & Marketing, OpenAire. “The appeal of an OpenAire enclosure is undeniable. These are buildings people want to be in. Who doesn’t want to enjoy sunlight and fresh air, and have a beautiful, sustainable facility that they can proud of in their community? Our projects help both municipalities and private organizations increase usage and drive revenue.”
The $5.5 million facility is a city initiative that will be operated by the adjacent YMCA. People are already talking about the benefits the new center will bring to their city.
“The beautiful new Aquatic Center is specifically designed to serve as a beacon to people in the area,” says Chad Jansen, Executive Director, Roy Blunt YMCA. “We anticipate that it will be a big draw for residents, but that it will also attract people from outside the city who want a unique experience they can’t get anywhere else.”
Bolivar City Administrator Ron Mersch agrees. “Our ultimate goal is that visitors will come for a swim with their families, have lunch at a local restaurant, go shopping at the mall – and make a real difference on the local economy and in the growth of our city.”
Bolivar residents couldn’t be more pleased that their community is soon going to be the home of the area’s most innovative new aquatic facility; having a roof that opens is definitely opening up an exciting new future for the community.
About OpenAire
OpenAire has been designing and manufacturing beautiful, high-quality retractable roof enclosures and skylights for over 20 years. Their projects include the LEED Gold Certified Salinas Aquatic Center in Salinas, California, Big Splash Adventure Island in French Lick, Indiana, the Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, the YMCA in Woodruff, Connecticut, the Bahia Bocholt in Germany – and the world’s largest indoor waterpark with a retractable aluminum dome in Ukraine. By combining your unique vision with OpenAire’s expertise, incredible venues are a reality.
Image: The City of Bolivar Aquatic Center slated for completion by Labor Day 2011 is shown here in a bird’s-eye view at the north side of the Roy Blunt YMCA of Bolivar - kind courtesy Butler, Rosenbury & Partners