A Major Milestone for Competitive and Community Aquatics in Dauphin County
The Derry Township Board of Supervisors recently granted conditional approval for a groundbreaking new project in Central Pennsylvania—the SwimHershey Aquatics Center, a regional hub for aquatic training, competition, and community engagement. This announcement marks a major step forward for aquatics development in the region, offering new opportunities for athletes, coaches, and families alike.
According to abc27 News, the proposed facility will span approximately 48,000 square feet on a 44-acre property along Crystal A Drive in Hershey. The centerpiece will be a 50-meter by 25-yard stretch competition pool with a water capacity of around 1 million gallons, a minimum depth of 8’2”, and a 13’6” deep diving well.
Designed for high-level versatility, the pool will include:
-
Two 2-meter movable bulkheads for flexible programming and multi-sport use
-
1-meter and 3-meter diving boards for training and events
-
Locker rooms and office spaces to support daily operations
-
Potential to host events sanctioned by NCAA, PIAA, Team USA (USOPC), and World Aquatics (FINA)
SwimHershey, a nonprofit established in 2020, is spearheading the project with a mission to promote aquatics education, access, and regional community impact. The organization aims to break ground once capital fundraising efforts are completed, with an estimated 9- to 12-month construction timeline.
The Role of Purpose-Built Facilities in Aquatics Growth
As a firm deeply involved in competition pool design, recreational aquatic centers, and community-focused aquatics facilities, Wallover Architects applauds this forward-thinking investment in Central Pennsylvania’s aquatics future. Projects like the upcoming SwimHershey Aquatics Center mirror our approach to design: build with performance, accessibility, and long-term value in mind.
A comparable example is our work on the Berkeley Aquatics Center of Excellence in New Jersey—another 48,000-square-foot facility that includes a 50-meter competition pool, teaching pools, aquatic therapy areas, and support spaces built for maximum programming flexibility.
Supporting Aquatics Excellence Through Design
At Wallover Architects, we know that successful aquatic centers require more than just water—they require vision, community input, and design that supports everything from elite-level competition to inclusive access and recreational programming.
We look forward to following the progress of SwimHershey’s development and supporting projects like this that enrich and elevate the aquatics landscape throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
📌 For More Information:
Visit SwimHershey.org to learn about their mission, development plans, and fundraising efforts.
