Construction continues on the 42,200 square-foot Aquatic Center in Lawton’s Elmer Thomas Park

Construction continues on the 42,200 square-foot Aquatic Center in Lawton’s Elmer Thomas Park. The pool will have a 12-foot deep end, “ensuring ample space for a variety of aquatic activities, including diving and competitive swimming,” and a designated area for children, Recreation Superintendent Yolanda Allen said. The “lazy river” feature will have an adult plunge pool, a recreation pool (for water volleyball, etc.), and a slide plunge pool, Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said. The project also will include a 6,400- square-foot building with restrooms, concessions, an office, and equipment spaces. The concession and restroom features are designed to function year-round and can be sectioned off for off-seasonal use “to ensure flexibility and convenience for park visitors,” Allen said. City Manager John Ratliff directed city staff recently to solicit bids on construction of parking area at the Aquatic Center. During a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting last September, Parks said two lots for parking will be constructed at the Aquatic Center; one lot will have 155 spaces and other will have “either 155 or possibly 255.” The goal of city officials is to have the new facility open in time for the annual Freedom Festival in July, “although there are no guarantees,” Councilman George Gill told Southwest Ledger. The Aquatic Center was designed by Guernsey and is being built by Miller-Tippens Construction of Oklahoma City at a cost of approximately $20 million.