Idaho Falls Aquatic Center may be remodeled

The Idaho Falls Aquatic Center could be getting an $80,000 renovation in December. The center is nearly three decades old and needs to be upgraded to be more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act .

“The winter is a great time to come to the aquatic center,” said P.J. Holm from the Department of Parks and Recreation.

This winter, visitors will see big changes in the locker rooms if the city approves the renovation plans.

“We’re going to make them a little more user-friendly some individual changing stalls,” said Holm.

The two rooms at the front of the aquatic center will be replaced with family changing rooms.

“That way parents can help out their kids get dressed and ready for swimming and they can head out on deck instead of letting their little ones head out to the locker room by themselves,” said Jaren Meyers, the aquatic center supervisor.

The main focus of the remodeling will be to accommodate people with disabilities.

“I think it would be very helpful for those who are more handicapped than myself and the general public as well, so I do believe it would be a good thing,” said one man visiting the aquatic center Friday.

The shower stalls in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms will be separated into three private stalls and one will be ADA-accessible.

“ADA accessibility is something we’re really going to be striving for,” said Holm.

The men’s locker room will be modeled after the women’s, with one long bay and individual changing stalls. If the city approves the plans, the renovations will be completed over the course of one week in December.

The City Council will approve or reject the budget for the renovations next week. The aquatic center will close Nov. 10 to 20 for routine maintenance.