VMDO Architects

The Long Bridge Aquatic and Fitness Center is the second phase in the development of Long Bridge Park, a distinctive showplace of environmentally sound park development, with high‐quality sports and recreation facilities that are accessible to all residents of Arlington County, conveniently located north of Crystal City adjacent to I‐395 and nearby urban corridors and the Potomac Riverscape. The park overlooks playing fields, the Potomac River, and the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary.

In June 2017, VMDO was selected to compete in a design-build competition for this Phase 2 facility. Arlington County desired to procure the design, build, and commissioning of a facility of approximately 73,000 SF. This facility will feature a 50‐meter pool with a 500-seat bleacher, a combination of play and teaching pool, approximately 10,000 SF of health and fitness space, administrative offices, and community rooms.

With the goal of "extending the park experience" the proposed design takes cues from both the geometries and attitude of the recently completed Long Bridge Park, balancing highly utilized program space with more naturalistic areas, and tying into the adjacent urban fabric, while also serving those arriving by vehicle. The rectilinear forms of the building are embedded in and emerging from the landscape, allowing the experience of the new facility to truly be continuous and integrated with the flow of the park and creating a seamless continuous park experience.

A large glass façade at the north side of each natatorium connects users to views of the proposed pond landscape, the Potomac River, and Washington, DC's monuments. The fitness center faces south, overlooking the activity of the playing fields. Community rooms are located just off the esplanade, inviting community members in and providing views over Roaches Run, while a green roof could offer an observation deck, for special events, fireworks observation, and daily vistas alike.