Ft Lauderdale ‘International Swimming Hall of Fame’ Aquatic Complex Gets $27 Million Renovation

Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross

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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Daniel Ross

4 years ago

like like like

Jeffrey Femrite

4 years ago

Reply to Daniel Ross

Love this pool

Kelley Gean Burwick

4 years ago

Nathon Burwick

Timothy O'Neill

4 years ago

David Grayy

Kerrie Otipoby

4 years ago

Janel Lobur Ashley Lowry-Kinney Aimee Forth

Aimee Forth

4 years ago

Reply to Kerrie Otipoby

Wow!! For all that money I bet it will be very nice!!

Kristen McDonough Toepfer

4 years ago

Kaitlyn McDonoughh

Kaitlyn McDonough

4 years ago

Reply to Kristen McDonough Toepfer

Wow! That’s excellent news

Tracy A Bodenheimer

4 years ago

Susan Braman

Timothy O'Neill

4 years ago

David Gray

Vicki Marsh

4 years ago

Yes. Y nationals back there!!!!

Julie Hrusovsky Snider

4 years ago

Julie Rider remember we peeked in?

Julie Rider

4 years ago

Reply to Julie Hrusovsky Snider

We will have to go back and check it out!

HE Heather

4 years ago

Reply to Julie Hrusovsky Snider

Julie Rider Girls trip!

Erin Carne McConkey

4 years ago

Addie Patterson

Kate Slonaker Hammitt

4 years ago

Lori Mia Katie Rebecca Maggie Laura Christine Christine ?

Maggie Singler Keenan

4 years ago

Reply to Kate Slonaker Hammitt

Let’s go back!! YMCA!

Bradley Scott

4 years ago

Taelor DietzKim Simpson Byars

Kim Simpson Byars

4 years ago

Reply to Bradley Scott

Bradley Scott They knew you were swimming there soon! Only the best for your party.

Ursula Colleen

4 years ago

Jim Corrina

Kim Dandrea

4 years ago

This will be amazing!!!

Guy Eylon

4 years ago

Anthony Coghlan
The good old days

Kim Dandrea

4 years ago

Kaye Ceille!!!!

Andrea Hammonds

4 years ago

Brandon Hammonds

4 years ago

Reply to Andrea Hammonds

No way awesome

Lisa Simon Bragg

4 years ago

Look mom Bunny Simon

Katrina

4 years ago

Send back Y NATS! Best meet ever!!

Aldo Esteban Castillo

4 years ago

Ivan Soruco

4 years ago

Reply to Aldo Esteban Castillo

Mi futura piscina

Ashley Christenson

4 years ago

Jennifer Lathrop Tonkyn

Tim Anderson

4 years ago

It’s about time. Let’s bring YNATS back to Ft. Lauderdale!

Kate Nadaskay

4 years ago

Jason Nadaskay

Kelly Colaiacovo Wingard

4 years ago

Jeffrey Colaiacovo Nick Wingard

Tommy Michael

4 years ago

It’s about flipping time!! Bring back the international meets to FTL!!

Ann M Cooper

4 years ago

Meredith Carolyn Leeson

Joni Johnston Neidigh

4 years ago

Wow! Nice!!

Kurt Wienants

4 years ago

Spectacular! My
Home pool from a very young age. RIP Andy Coan! He would be happy.

Kristin Livesay

4 years ago

Lots of great meets and camps at this pool! Happy for this update!

Mardi J. Coffelt

4 years ago

Can’t believe it took over 10 years to make it happen‼️

Chal De Leon Burns

4 years ago

What a great news!!!

Gyöngyvér Lakos

4 years ago

Yes!

Pat Kennedy

4 years ago

Love that pool.

Wendy Flack

4 years ago

Becca Flack Olivia Flack Danny Flack

Katy Bateman Brown

4 years ago

Beth Bateman Marshall

Lin Moore

4 years ago

Looks phenomenal ! Love this venue

Laura M Wanco

4 years ago

Yea!

Kourtney Trainor

4 years ago

Does this mean you guys will be coming here for meets again?!?!

John Henikman

4 years ago

Jennifer Anne Henikman

4 years ago

Reply to John Henikman

About time!

Revere Greist

4 years ago

Thanks for the PTSD.

Weston Gadbois

4 years ago

Hey Andy, nice pic

Jacqui McRae Barber

4 years ago

Finally!
My absolute favorite place to swim. Happy place.

My Beach Things

4 years ago

What a time to be alive 🙂

Glenalbyn Swimming Club

4 years ago

Yes!!

Linda Marino

4 years ago

This will be wonderful !

Christina Baudis

4 years ago

That is great news

Kevin Smith

4 years ago

Scott Taylor…..impressive stuff!

Lisa Byerley Watters

4 years ago

Haley Watters

Beth Estel

4 years ago

It sure is!

Tom Phillips

4 years ago

Nice!