May 17, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2013
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Amanda Shell
Moxley Carmichael
865-255-0661
[email protected]
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Elected officials, community leaders, Chamber representatives, donors and other guests gathered at the newly completed Kingsport Aquatic Center for a ribbon cutting May 17.
“The Kingsport Aquatic Center is so much more than just a pool; it’s a completely unique attraction that will bring significant tourism to the area and increase the quality of life for our residents,” said Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips. “Years ago, we had a vision for this project and after much hard work, the aquatic center is now a reality. I am thrilled to be able to welcome the entire Kingsport community to share with us in experiencing this wonderful attraction.”
Guests toured the 46,000-square-foot indoor aquatic complex, and the center also dedicated its sponsored pools, including the HMG Competition Pool, the Palmer Center Foundation Warm Pool and the Eastman Credit Union Lazy River.
During the ceremony, the Kingsport Aquatic Center also announced the winners of the online photo contest to be the first two kids down the slides at the outdoor water park’s public grand opening on May 25: Grace Wellman and Xavier Graves Hawkins.
Nine-year-old Wellman uses her passion to swimming to help others. Last year, she swam 500 yards at Swim for Them fundraiser, raising $850 for the American Cancer Society in honor of her aunt and great-grandfather, both cancer survivors. Hawkins is a nine-year-old child with autism who has found joy in swimming.
Located at the foot of scenic Bays Mountain in Kingsport’s Meadowview district, the state-of-the-art Kingsport Aquatic Center features both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and activities for both residents and visitors. The 46,000-square-foot indoor complex includes the region’s only indoor Olympic-size, eight-lane, 50-meter pool; a four-lane, 25-yard, zero-entry pool specially designed for instruction and therapy; and a leisure pool with water slide. Also inside are one-meter and three-meter diving boards. The center’s world-class pools and equipment are designed for all levels of competitive sports.
The outdoor water park, open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, features a large pool with a water playground and lily pad crossing, two water slides, a 900-foot lazy river and a concession area.
American Red Cross-certified swim lessons, water aerobics, safety courses, facility rentals and lane rentals are available in the new center.
Eastman Chemical Company donated land for the $17.2 million Kingsport Aquatic Center.
About the Kingsport Aquatic Center
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is the region’s newest and most comprehensive indoor/outdoor public aquatic and recreation facility. Located in Kingsport’s Meadowview district at the base of iconic Bays Mountain, the center provides area residents and visitors with the best in health, fitness and recreation features in a safety-focused environment. The Kingsport Aquatic Center features the area’s only indoor Olympic-size pool plus year-round swim courses and Red Cross-certified water safety and lifeguard training. A seasonal outdoor water park offers recreational activities from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Seasonal, annual and daily rates are available. For more information, visit http://www.swimkingsport.com.
