GRIFFIN, GEORGIA–DECEMBER 17, 2024–Griffin-Spalding County is making waves with the grand opening of the long-awaited Spalding County Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the community and enhance the region’s economic vitality as well as the health of the citizens. Located at 561 Rehoboth Road in Griffin, the center is a result of a public-private partnership, and a key investment funded through the 2016 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) initiative–from anyone who spends money in the county–at just a little more than $10 million.
The Spalding County Aquatic Center boasts two indoor pools, including a competition-sized 25-yard Olympic pool and a warm-water pool, catering to all ages and abilities. The 20,750-square-foot facility is fully equipped with advanced filtration systems, diving boards, water slides, splash pads, and ADA-accessible amenities, making it a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.
“This is a monumental moment for our community,” said Kelly Carmichael, director of Spalding County Leisure Services. “The aquatic center isn’t just a place to swim; it’s a space designed for fitness, fun and social connection. It’s a resource that will positively impact health, wellness and our local economy for years to come.”
In addition to providing recreational benefits, the aquatic center is expected to generate significant economic impact. By attracting regional visitors, hosting competitive swim meets, and offering a range of recreational and wellness programs, the center will support local businesses and create job opportunities. The community will also benefit from increased property values and a higher quality of life, as aquatic centers have been shown to be key assets in fostering economic growth.
“The Aquatic Center will help boost tourism, enhance property values and provide a much-needed destination for residents,” said Steve Ledbetter, Spalding County Manager. “It’s a vital step forward in our mission to provide residents with access to top-tier recreational facilities that improve the overall quality of life.”
The center features a variety of programs, including swim lessons, water aerobics, competitive swim teams and recreational swimming, offering something for everyone, from young children to seniors. The facility also serves as a hub for local events, with multi-purpose rooms available for meetings, birthday parties and community activities. These diverse offerings are expected to draw visitors from outside the county, increasing spending at local businesses and creating jobs in hospitality, retail and services.
The development of the aquatic center was shaped by extensive public surveys and feedback, with early planning taking into consideration input from local user groups. Despite initial delays and some community concerns about the location, the final design aligns with the county’s long-term goals of making Spalding County a healthier, more connected place to live, work and play.
“From a health perspective, it’s essential that our community has access to safe, high-quality aquatic facilities,” added Carmichael. “Swimming lessons are a key part of this facility, helping to teach life-saving skills to people of all ages, and supporting water safety in our community.”
The center’s impact goes beyond just fitness and recreation; it’s changing lives. One example is a local swimmer who struggled with shyness and couldn’t even swim across the old pool. With the support and encouragement of the community and the new Aquatic Center, he gained confidence, developed his swimming skills, and today, he’s not only a swim coach for the Griffin Gators, a summer swim team, but also a valuable part of the staff at the new center. “It’s incredible to see someone who started out so timid and now is guiding the next generation of swimmers,” said Carmichael. “This is the kind of transformation we’re seeing every day.”
The grand opening event, which was on June 28, 2024, was a success, drawing families, sports enthusiasts and local business owners to celebrate the launch of the new facility. It’s clear that the Spalding County Aquatic Center is more than just a recreational facility—it is a community asset that will benefit the region for generations to come, contributing both to health and economic prosperity.
For more information on the Spalding County Aquatic Center, including hours of operation, membership options, and available programs, visit https://www.spaldingcounty.com/residents/aquatic-center.