Upper Valley Aquatic Center to expand

Illustrations by Breadloaf, courtesy of UVAC

Renditions of the proposed expansion to White River’s Upper Valley Aquatic Center show the new outside profile.

Additional 8,000 square feet will expand locker rooms, exercise studio, fitness space and physical therapy center

WHITE RIVER JCT — Due to the growth of Upper Valley Aquatic Center’s (UVAC) membership base, increased day pass use from the community, and especially an increase in the number of families using the Center, the Upper Valley Aquatic Center’s Board of Directors has agreed to pursue an improvement plan.

“We listened to feedback from our members and guests and realize that it’s time to add some features that will make their experience even better,” stated Andrea Ciardelli, president of the UVAC Board of Directors in an announcement Monday, Feb. 29. “We are working with Bread Loaf Corporation to finalize a feasibility study and prepare bid documents for an 8,000 square foot addition. The new space will house a much larger family-friendly locker room with private changing suites; a new group exercise studio for classes such as yoga, pilates, stretching, and more; expanded fitness room space for strength and cardio equipment; and a physical therapy center.”

In keeping with the existing modern open floor plan, the addition will feature lots of natural light, a view of the beautiful Vermont hillsides that surround the center, and a fitness mezzanine that overlooks the fitness floor.

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is owned by the town of Hartford and is operated by the t. Since the center is self-reliant and requires no town funding, the new addition will follow this model. The Sports Venue Foundation has already secured pledges from local supporters to fully fund the expansion.

Assuming that all local and state permitting will be approved, UVAC is hoping to begin construction by this summer, with a grand opening of the new space by January 2017. The improvements will be done in phases to minimize interruption to the current operations of the center.

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center opened its doors in February 2009 and quickly gained a reputation for having a diverse range of aquatic offerings. The center features a unique 88-degree indoor water park with kiddie water play structure, slide, lazy river, three-lane pool for swim lessons and water exercise classes, and a 110-foot speed slide. The 11-lane state-of-the-art competition pool hosts swim meets for teams from all over New England. UVAC offers more than 70 free group exercise classes each week and free childcare for members.

For more information visit uvacswim.org.