Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR), elected officials, community leaders and project partners gathered on May 27 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the new indoor pool facility at Swansea Recreation Center.
Located in the Swansea neighborhood, the new indoor aquatic facility replaces the recreation center’s aging outdoor pool and significantly expands year-round recreation access for the surrounding community.
“Recreation centers are where neighbors become friends, families spend time together and community is built,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The new Swansea indoor pool is an investment in connection, health and opportunity. But what makes this project especially meaningful is that it reflects Denver at its best. Dreamed of, voted on and designed by Denver residents for Denver residents.”
The previous outdoor pool had reached the end of its lifespan and required full replacement. Rather than construct another seasonal facility, DPR designed and built a new indoor pool to provide residents with year-round access to aquatic programming, fitness and recreation. The project also helps address a significant gap in aquatic services in north Denver, as the nearest indoor recreation center pool is nearly four miles away.
“The Swansea community now has an incredible year-round recreational resource that will serve residents of all ages for years to come,” said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. “From lap swimming and aquatic programming to family recreation and youth activities, the new pool expands access to high-quality recreation opportunities right in the heart of the Swansea neighborhood.”
Public outreach for the project began in 2021, with community members and youth leaders helping shape the final design and amenities. The completed facility includes a 25-meter pool with three lap lanes, a zero-entry recreational pool, lazy river, spray features and a party room for community use. The facility also features new locker rooms, changing areas, office space, storage areas and chemical rooms to support expanded operations and programming. One of the signature features of the new facility is a large two-story waterslide that loops outside the building before returning inside.
“Swansea has a strong history, a proud community and generations of families who have grown up around this recreation center,” said District 9 Councilmember Darrell Watson. “This new indoor pool is an investment in the people who call this neighborhood home and the young people who will create memories here for years to come.”
The Swansea Recreation Center Indoor Pool project was supported through a $22 million investment from Elevate Denver and additional funding from the Legacy Fund.
