Notes from this week's Architectural Review Board:
New 50-meter pool, activity pool, and modern facilities to replace 70-year-old complex
The Worthington Architectural Review Board unanimously approved a comprehensive redesign of the city's outdoor pool complex, greenlighting the demolition of aging facilities and construction of a modern aquatic center that will serve families for generations to come.
Complete Facility Overhaul
The ambitious project will completely replace pools built between 1954 and 1968, preserving only the 2008 pavilion building. In their place, residents will enjoy three new pools designed for different user groups:
- Activity Pool: Zero to 4 feet deep, perfect for young children and families
- Central 50-meter Pool: 3.5 to 11.5 feet deep, accommodating both recreational swimming and competitive activities
- Adult Pool: 3.5 to 5 feet deep, designed for lap swimming and adult recreation
The new complex will feature two substantial buildings: a 3,700-square-foot main facility and a 2,000-square-foot support building. These structures will house family restrooms with changing tables, covered concession areas providing over 700 square feet of shade, and outdoor locker facilities with rinse showers.
Modern Amenities for Today's Families
City officials emphasized accessibility and family convenience in the new design. The facility will include features specifically requested by the community, such as family restrooms that accommodate parents with children of different genders and adult changing tables for caregivers assisting family members with disabilities.
Future expansion possibilities include a splash pad area, which will be pre-plumbed during initial construction if budget constraints prevent immediate installation.
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Zoning Challenges Require Creative Solutions
The project faces significant setback requirements due to the facility's S-1 zoning designation, which was never intended for this type of recreation use. Multiple variances will be necessary to accommodate the pool complex within the existing property boundaries.
These variance requests will go before the Board of Zoning Appeals on August 7, 2025. City planning staff expressed confidence that the variances serve the public interest given the facility's essential community function.
Board Requests Design Refinements
While approving the project 6-0, board members requested several architectural amendments to better align with Worthington's character and aesthetic standards.
The primary concern centered on proposed metal panel gables that commissioners felt didn't match the city's traditional architectural style. Board members requested alternative designs featuring more traditional materials such as fiber cement siding or lap siding options.
"We need to see some alternatives to these metal panel gables," one commissioner noted. "Consider both open and closed gable designs, and look at materials that better reflect Worthington's architectural character."
Additional amendments require:
- Realignment of brick and window patterns to better complement existing structures
- Exploration of pergola or other shade structures to expand covered areas
- Detailed material specifications for all exterior elements
Community Investment in Recreation
The pool renovation represents a significant investment in Worthington's recreational infrastructure, replacing facilities that have served the community for nearly seven decades. The new complex is designed to accommodate growing demand while providing modern amenities that today's families expect.
Project timelines call for construction to begin following Board of Zoning Appeals approval, with completion targeted to maximize the swimming season. The aging infrastructure had reached the end of its useful life, making replacement necessary rather than continued repairs.
The comprehensive redesign ensures Worthington residents will have access to quality aquatic facilities that rival those in neighboring communities, supporting the city's commitment to exceptional parks and recreation services.
Next Steps
Following the architectural amendments, the project will return to the Architectural Review Board for final design approval before proceeding to the Board of Zoning Appeals for variance consideration. Construction documents and permitting will follow these approvals.
City officials anticipate beginning construction as soon as possible to minimize disruption to swimming seasons and ensure the community can enjoy the new facilities as quickly as feasible.