John Chavis Memorial Park Aquatic Center builds upon the park’s legacy as one of the most prominent historically-black parks in the country. For generations, Chavis Park provided a unique space for recreation, culture, and education that drew in families from across the East Coast. As a place of opportunity and empowerment, it was a vital community hub where families could safely immerse themselves in the park’s rich landscape and ample amenities. However, as the park aged, its opportunities dwindled, though the community’s sense of pride endured.

The new Aquatic Center restores the spirit lost with the demolition of it's original pool, honoring its legacy while embracing the needs of future generations. Born from community input, the center reflects the park’s past—a beacon of inclusivity and recreation. The center’s design is informed by the park’s iconic carousel, elliptical pathways and vibrant energy. A solid brick masonry base grounds the building in the landscape, connecting it to the park’s roots. Rising above, a delicate yet striking perforated metal “crown” symbolizes the park’s vibrant, enduring spirit while echoing the symbolism of it's historic carousel. This modern interpretation of the carousel provides both visual interest and functional shading, allowing light to filter through and providing ample shade throughout the day.

In every aspect of the project, the landscape and the built environment are treated as a seamless whole, with a split-level green roof that transitions gently from the structure into the surrounding park, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world. This living roof, planted with native pollinator-friendly species, serves as a natural habitat for wildlife and reinforces the center’s commitment to ecological stewardship by allowing visitors to engage directly and meaningfully. Additionally, green stormwater infrastructure systems are integrated throughout the site to manage water but also to teach visitors about the vital role of water in sustaining both human and ecological systems.

Inside the building, natural materials and thoughtful design create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Expansive windows and a series of wooden sawtooth skylights above the main pool area bathe the interior in soft, diffused light. These openings connect visitors in the space to stunning views of the park while reducing the need for artificial light.

Traditionally, Aquatics Centers suffer from harsh interior environments, where strong chemical odors and persistent humidity create spaces that feel uncomfortable and can pose health concerns for visitors. Chavis Aquatic Center reimagines this model by prioritizing performance and user well-being at every level. The design integrates advanced water management systems that significantly reduce consumption. At the same time, high-efficiency HVAC systems actively remove chlorinated air—protecting occupants from irritation to the eyes and lungs—while regulating humidity to create a more comfortable, balanced environment.

By integrating environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and a deep respect for community history, the Chavis Aquatic Center transcends conventional expectations of its typology. It establishes a new model for aquatic design—one that advances sustainability while meaningfully honoring the cultural legacy and lived experiences of the community it serves.