Imagine What’s Possible

It's an investment in community health, education, competition, and economic vitality for generations to come.

Help us Fund the Feasibility Study

Facility at a Glance

The First State Aquatic Center is envisioned as a transformative 20-acre aquatic and wellness campus designed to serve Delaware and the greater Mid-Atlantic region. At the heart of the facility will be a state-of-the-art 50-meter competition pool complemented by two additional aquatic venues dedicated to instruction, recreation, therapy, and community wellness. With seating for up to 1,500 spectators, the center will be capable of hosting major swim meets, championships, clinics, and special events that attract athletes and visitors from throughout the region. Through year-round programming that supports water safety, learn-to-swim initiatives, competitive athletics, fitness, rehabilitation, and recreation, the First State Aquatic Center will establish Kent County as a premier destination for aquatic excellence and sports tourism.

Olympic-Size
Competition Pool

The centerpiece of the facility will be a 50-meter competition pool designed to host local, regional, collegiate, and national events.

Planned Features:

  • 10 competition lanes

  • Olympic-length racing course

  • Space for multiple course configurations

  • Athlete warm-up and staging areas

  • Spectator seating for 1,200–1,500 guests

  • Capacity to host major swim meets, water polo competitions, and aquatic events

This venue will position Kent County as a destination for aquatic sports tourism and championship competition.

Multi-Purpose
Dry Space

Flexible spaces that support learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Planned Features:

  • Classrooms

  • Meeting rooms

  • Conference space

  • Coach and official training programs

  • Community workshops

  • Water safety education

  • Nonprofit and civic group gatherings

These spaces will extend the impact of the facility far beyond aquatic programming

Training
Pool

The training pool will provide dedicated space for aquatic education and daily programming.

Planned Uses:

  • Learn-to-swim lessons

  • School partnerships

  • Competitive team training

  • Lifeguard certification courses

  • Water safety education

  • Masters swimming

  • Triathlon training

  • Adaptive aquatic programs

This pool ensures year-round access for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Recreation for
All Ages

The First State Aquatic Center is exploring unique recreational experiences that make aquatic activity fun for the entire family.

Potential Features:

  • Ninja Cross obstacle course

  • Interactive water play elements

  • Family recreation programs

  • Summer camps and special events

  • Youth activity programming

These attractions will help introduce more children and families to healthy, active lifestyles through aquatics.

Heated
Therapy Pool

A dedicated warm water therapy pool will support health, rehabilitation, and low-impact fitness programs.

Planned Uses:

  • Physical therapy

  • Aquatic rehabilitation

  • Arthritis exercise programs

  • Senior wellness classes

  • Adaptive recreation

  • Recovery training for athletes

  • Military and veteran wellness programs

The therapeutic environment will create opportunities for healing and lifelong fitness that are difficult to replicate in traditional fitness facilities.

Amenities for
Our Community

Beyond the water, the facility will include dedicated spaces for athletic development, fitness, and injury prevention.

Planned Features:

  • Weight training area

  • Functional fitness equipment

  • Stretching and mobility studio

  • Dryland training space

  • Team conditioning programs

  • Personal training opportunities

Athletes and community members alike will benefit from a complete wellness experience under one roof.

Warm Water
Learn-to-Swim Programs

Designed specifically for beginner swimmers, the learn-to-swim area will offer shallow-water instruction, small class sizes, and a welcoming atmosphere where participants can progress at their own pace. Programs will serve infants, children, teens, and adults, ensuring that individuals of all ages have access to life-saving water safety education.

Through partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and aquatic professionals, the First State Aquatic Center aims to expand access to swim lessons throughout Delaware. By reducing barriers to participation and creating a supportive learning environment, the center will help more residents develop the skills and confidence needed to enjoy water safely for a lifetime.