Fort Lauderdale’s aquatic complex, also known as the International Swimming Hall of Fame pool, will undergo a $27 million renovation, as voted on by city commissioners on Tuesday.
The city of Fort Lauderdale has been planning for over a decade to modernize the swimming and diving complex that was first opened in August 1965. The $27 million bid is $7 million higher than the city originally intended, but city officials felt it would be best for the future of the facility.
“This is a special day for the City of Fort Lauderdale and the entire aquatic community, both nationally and internationally. They have been working hard to make this happen for years. All the aquatic sports think of Fort Lauderdale as their second home. Beginning in late 2020, there will be a resurgence of events and activities as this venue returns to its world-class status.
“This milestone, along with ISHOF’s commitment to sign a 30-year lease to remain in Fort Lauderdale, accomplishes two important goals that ISHOF’s Board and the community set out late last year. Hat’s off to Commissioner Steven Glassman of District II who was instrumental in the vote along with Mayor Dean Trantalis, City Manager Lee Feldman, Aquatic Complex Manager Laura Voet, and the rest of the city commissioners,” said Brent Rutemiller – CEO for the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Ten world records have been set in the facility from nine different swimmers, including ones from swimming legends Mary T. Meagher, Natalie Coughlin and Michael Phelps. Coughlin became the first woman swimmer to break a minute in the 100 back long course at the 2002 Nationals and Phelps broke his first 400 IM world record at the same Nationals.
Swimming legends Mike Barrowman, Martin Zubero, Kim Linehan, Andy Coan, Pam Kruse and Catie Ball each set world records in the Hall of Fame pool as well.
There was possible talk of the International Swimming Hall of Fame moving to Santa Clara, California but that proposal never passed.
The aging facility has been in desperate need of a makeover; city leaders and swimmers and divers who use the pools agree.
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Love this pool
Nathon Burwick
David Grayy
Janel Lobur Ashley Lowry-Kinney Aimee Forth
Wow!! For all that money I bet it will be very nice!!
Kaitlyn McDonoughh
Wow! That’s excellent news
Susan Braman
David Gray
Yes. Y nationals back there!!!!
Julie Rider remember we peeked in?
We will have to go back and check it out!
Julie Rider Girls trip!
Addie Patterson
Lori Mia Katie Rebecca Maggie Laura Christine Christine ?
Let’s go back!! YMCA!
Taelor DietzKim Simpson Byars
Bradley Scott They knew you were swimming there soon! Only the best for your party.
Jim Corrina
This will be amazing!!!
Anthony Coghlan
The good old days
Kaye Ceille!!!!
Brandon Hammonds
No way awesome
Look mom Bunny Simon
Send back Y NATS! Best meet ever!!
Ivan Soruco
Mi futura piscina
Jennifer Lathrop Tonkyn
It’s about time. Let’s bring YNATS back to Ft. Lauderdale!
Jason Nadaskay
Jeffrey Colaiacovo Nick Wingard
It’s about flipping time!! Bring back the international meets to FTL!!
Meredith Carolyn Leeson
Wow! Nice!!
Spectacular! My
Home pool from a very young age. RIP Andy Coan! He would be happy.
Lots of great meets and camps at this pool! Happy for this update!
Can’t believe it took over 10 years to make it happen‼️
What a great news!!!
Yes!
Love that pool.
Becca Flack Olivia Flack Danny Flack
Beth Bateman Marshall
Looks phenomenal ! Love this venue
Yea!
Does this mean you guys will be coming here for meets again?!?!
Jennifer Anne Henikman
About time!
Thanks for the PTSD.
Hey Andy, nice pic
Finally!
My absolute favorite place to swim. Happy place.
What a time to be alive 🙂
Yes!!
This will be wonderful !
That is great news
Scott Taylor…..impressive stuff!
Haley Watters
It sure is!
Nice!