A growing region, limited aquatic space
An analysis of the area within a 20-minute drive of the planned Colorado Aquatic Center site at Zebulon identified approximately 483,281 residents. The analysis found no 50-meter pool inside that drive-time area. That does not mean the region has no swimming pools; it means families, teams, and other users must share a limited mix of facilities with different sizes, schedules, and access rules.
Year-round access is different from summer access
Neighborhood outdoor pools and summer swim programs play an important role in introducing children to swimming. But outdoor HOA pools typically close after Labor Day. Families looking to continue lessons, practice, or recreational swimming in fall and winter need indoor options, where lane space is also shared with schools, clubs, fitness swimmers, and other programs.
Two pools, different community needs
The proposed Colorado Aquatic Center at Zebulon would include a 50-meter competition pool and a separate warm-water instructional and therapy pool. The concept is intended to serve competitive and recreational swimmers, learn-to-swim programs, adaptive aquatics, fitness, therapy, and public-safety training. The center is in development; programs, operating schedules, and availability are not yet finalized.
Why this matters
Aquatic infrastructure is about more than hosting swim meets. Reliable indoor access helps communities make room for water-safety education, lifelong activity, and opportunities for people who are not members of a competitive team. Colorado Aquatics Foundation is raising funds to turn this proposed facility into a public resource.
These articles describe a proposed project and planning analysis, not currently available programs. Population and pool-inventory figures reflect CAF's 2026 drive-time analysis and are estimates.
Learn more about the planned Colorado Aquatic Center and how to support the project.
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