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08-31-26 | Feature
Ford Park Aquatics Center is a transformative reinvestment in one of Bell Gardens' most cherished community spaces, revitalizing a long-closed facility into a vibrant, inclusive destination for recreation, wellness, and connection. Originally built in 1959 and shuttered in 2017 due to aging infrastructure, the former pool left residents without access to essential aquatic programs for nearly a decade. This project reimagines the site as a modern, 2.1-acre aquatic complex designed to serve all ages and abilities.
The new facility features a 50-meter competition pool, therapy pool, and activity pool, supporting a wide range of programming including swim lessons, rehabilitation, and recreational use. Thoughtfully designed gathering spaces such as shaded cabanas, picnic areas, and an amphitheater encourage social interaction and multigenerational use. Universal accessibility, intuitive circulation, and family-friendly amenities ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment. Inspired by the original mid-century design, architectural elements reinterpret historic motifs to create a sense of continuity between past and present. The project also doubles the site's aquatic capacity, allowing multiple programs to operate simultaneously and significantly expanding community access.
Rooted in community engagement, the project reflects local identity and cultural pride, highlighted by its future name, the Dreamers Aquatic Center. It also strengthens public health, expands equitable access to recreation, and restores a vital neighborhood asset.
To see more Playgrounds projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-commercial-retail-development#article1
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Ford Park Aquatics Center
Bell Gardens, California
Recognized for its excellence in public infrastructure and community impact, the Ford Park Aquatics Center was honored as a 2025 APWA B.E.S.T. Award winner, underscoring its success as a model for equitable, community-driven design.
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The Playgrounds Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Ford Park Aquatics is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.
Ford Park Aquatics Center is a transformative reinvestment in one of Bell Gardens' most cherished community spaces, revitalizing a long-closed facility into a vibrant, inclusive destination for recreation, wellness, and connection. Originally built in 1959 and shuttered in 2017 due to aging infrastructure, the former pool left residents without access to essential aquatic programs for nearly a decade. This project reimagines the site as a modern, 2.1-acre aquatic complex designed to serve all ages and abilities.
The new facility features a 50-meter competition pool, therapy pool, and activity pool, supporting a wide range of programming including swim lessons, rehabilitation, and recreational use. Thoughtfully designed gathering spaces such as shaded cabanas, picnic areas, and an amphitheater encourage social interaction and multigenerational use. Universal accessibility, intuitive circulation, and family-friendly amenities ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment. Inspired by the original mid-century design, architectural elements reinterpret historic motifs to create a sense of continuity between past and present. The project also doubles the site's aquatic capacity, allowing multiple programs to operate simultaneously and significantly expanding community access.
Rooted in community engagement, the project reflects local identity and cultural pride, highlighted by its future name, the Dreamers Aquatic Center. It also strengthens public health, expands equitable access to recreation, and restores a vital neighborhood asset.
To see more Playgrounds projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-commercial-retail-development#article1
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Filed Under: SEPTEMBER 2026, PLAYGROUNDS, RJM DESIGN GROUP, FORD PARK AQUATICS CENTER, BELL GARDENS, CALIFORNIA, LASN
