Fort Mill Aquatics Center Opens with Ribbon Cutting. Here’s Some Background on the Facility.

The Fort Mill Aquatic Center officially opened Thursday without a single person getting wet.

   Dressed in his usual coat and tie, Superintendent Chuck Epps told a small crowd that the pool project has a long history. It was approved by voters as part of a 2015 bond referendum and then made possible by a public-private partnership.

   The school district along with the Town of Fort Mill, the YMCA and Leroy Springs & Co. came together to create the complex and Aquatic Center, located at 971 Tom Hall Street in Fort Mill.

   “This building and the surrounding facilities are a testament to the commitment these entities have in serving our community,” Dr. Epps said.

   The center features 29,400 square feet with a swimmer capacity of 505 people and 21 starter platforms that are perfect for competitions. 

    The Aquatic Center will be home to high school swim programs while also providing a great location for water safety and outside events, the superintendent said.

   “The pool is designed to host a variety of swim competitions and features a movable bulkhead to accommodate multiple events,” Dr. Epps said.

A key factor in getting the center was the donation by Leroy Springs & Co., since they provided the land the Aquatic Center was built on, along with the entire complex.

   The Upper Palmetto YMCA will operate the facility, joining the public-private partnership. The funds will come from membership dues, said CEO Frank “Moe” Bell.

  “The school built the pool and the Y will operate it,” he said while thanking YMCA board members for showing the confidence to support the project.

   The Town of Fort Mill also joined the partnership, taking over the operation of the original complex and working with the district and YMCA to continue and expand services offered to the Fort Mill community.

   A few facts about the Aquatic Center:

   • The center has 29,4000 square feet.

   • The pool has a volume of 621,000 gallons of water.

   • There is a swimmer capacity of 505 people.

   • The water depths go to 6’7” to 6’9”.

   • It has 21 starter platforms.