When a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process brought heavy growth to Fort Bliss more than tripling the soldier population, the two aging community pools and desert climate made a new Aquatic Center for training and recreation a priority. This new 49,800 SF Indoor Aquatics Center, provides soldier training space for water-based maneuvers and doubles as recreation space for soldiers and their families at Fort Bliss. Features of the Indoor Aquatics Center include:  a 50M, 8-lane lap pool with ADA-compliant entry points; a deep water training tank with three diving boards; a multi-purpose pool with zero-depth entry and rock wall; 1,000 SF of training rooms and classrooms; and locker rooms. While the 50M pool is used for lap swimming, water polo and competition courses, the multi-purpose pool is used for shallow water egress training exercises, rehabilitation, swim lessons and recreation.

Building construction involved a corrosion-resistant precast concrete building system with separate HVAC systems serving the pool areas including dedicated cooling, heating and dehumidification units specifically designed for pool and natatorium areas. This is the largest standalone aquatic center in the Army, and a model for all future aquatics centers across the Department of Defense.