This project included a new community park and regional aquatic center for the City of Delano. Named after Larry Itliong, a Filipino American labor organizer and civil rights activist, the three-acre park features a playground, basketball court, event space, and outdoor amphitheater. It was designed to facilitate community gatherings & outdoor play, as well as pay homage to the history of the Delano community.

Located within the Larry Itliong Unity Park, and adjacent to the existing 11th Avenue Community Center, the new Delano Aquatic Center features a combined pool for recreation and lap swimming, including an instructional area, and a spray and wading area which includes interactive water features and a small water playground.  The facility was designed to accommodate people of all age groups and ability levels to use the facility for learn-to-swim programs, fitness activities, recreational fun and much more. The surrounding pool deck includes private rental cabanas and group areas for increased revenue opportunities, lounge seating, a snack bar and an iconic pool house building which includes all the necessary program elements to support the aquatic facility.

COAR worked closely with City staff and the Aquatic Center Committee to ensure the new facilities fit seamlessly within the existing community center campus and the surrounding neighborhood. The team explored innovative solutions for sustainable design, guest attractions like a ‘wave ball’, and cutting-edge equipment incorporated into the design to ease maintenance and reduce staffing needs. The Master Plan included design for the aquatic center and park, as well as incorporation of the existing community center.