Award Winners

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Apply for the 2026 Aquatics International Dream Designs Beginning March 16

Submit your smartest, most beautiful aquatics venues of all types for our annual design awards. The program runs earlier this year, so apply now!

A New Era: The Leaders Moving the Aquatics Industry Forward

Embedding DEI Into Aquatics Operations: Kate Connell’s Approach

From Data to Deck: Kirsten Barnes on Using Research to Improve Commercial Pool Operations

And Best of Aquatics Honors for Programming Go To…

See Which Facilities Won Best of Aquatics Honors for Community Outreach and Special Events

Introducing This Year’s Best of Aquatics in Marketing and Social Media

These Facilities Take Best of Aquatics Accolades in Lifeguard Categories

Osborne Park Pool Awarded Best of Aquatics Honors

Fundraising Drive Takes Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark to 2025 Best of Aquatics

The Woodlands Township, Texas, Recognized for Targeted Programming

Queen Creek Recreation and Aquatic Center Awarded 2025 Best of Aquatics for Lifeguard Recruitment

City of Brenham Blue Bell Aquatic Center Named in 2025 Best of Aquatics for Lifeguard Training

Liquid Lifestyles Awarded 2025 Best of Aquatics for Best Social Media

Ronald J. Parks Community Recreation Center Honored with 2025 Best of Aquatics for Lifeguard Training

Bavarian Blast Waterpark Awarded Best Marketing in 2025 Best of Aquatics Program

Presenting the 2025 Best of Aquatics Awards

ISHOF Presents Water Safety Honors

Crystal Beach Aquatic Park of Indiana Named a Dream Designs Recipient

West Hollywood Park Aquatic & Recreation Center Receives Dream Designs Recognition

Iowa’s Waukee CSD Natatorium Attains Dream Designs Status

Find Out Which Counsilman-Hunsaker Projects Ranked Among the 2025 Dream Designs

Check Out These Dream Designs by Aquatic Design Group

Southeast Community Center of Missouri Chosen Among 2025 Dream Designs

Philly’s Canopy Club at One Thousand One Receives Dream Designs Honor

Nebraska’s Generations Park Awarded Dream Designs Designation

Old Town Splash Park of Lewisville, Texas Named 2025 Dream Design

Aquaticum Debrecen Strand of Hungary Ranks Among 2025 Dream Designs

Montgomery Whitewater Named Among 2025 Dream Designs

DEADLINE EXTENSION: Apply for the 2025 Aquatics International Dream Designs Program

Lowry Grant Goes to Health District in N.D.

Aquatics International Honors Rowdy Gaines in 2025 Power Issue

Aquatics International Recognizes Wess Long in 2025 Power Issue

Ruby Newell-Legner Awarded in Aquatics International’s 2025 Power Issue

Stephen Langendorfer Honored in Aquatics International’s 2025 Power Issue

Leslie Schwene Hailed in Aquatics International’s 2025 Power Issue

Nichole Bohner Honored In Aquatics International’s 2025 Power Issue

Aquatics International Recognizes Pete DeQuincy in its Annual Power Issue

Aquatics International Honors Bill Kent in the 2025 Power Issue

IAAPA and WWA Honor Hall of Fame Inductees

Not to Miss: Aquatics Intl. Awards Presentation

Find Out Which Training and Management Programs Earned Best of the Best Designation

Announcing the Best of the Best in the Outreach Categories

Best of the Best: Farmers Branch Aquatic Center

Best of the Best: The Woodlands Township

Best of the Best: Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center

Best of the Best: West Morris Area YMCA

Best of the Best: City of Mesa Parks & Recreation

Best of the Best: City of Phoenix Aquatics

Best of the Best: City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation

Introducing Aquatics International’s Best of the Best in Targeted Programming

Best of the Best: City of Temecula Community Recreation Center

Best of the Best: River Road Park and Recreation District

Read Aquatics International’s November/December Digital Edition

Best of the Best: City of Brenham Blue Bell Aquatic Center

Introducing 2024’s Best of Aquatics

Roaring Springs Waterpark of Idaho Takes Dream Designs Honor

Romeoville Aquatic Center of Illinois Recognized as Dream Design

Camp Barnabas of Missouri Featured Among Dream Designs Honorees

Oregon’s Echo Hollow Earns Dream Designs Honor

Blast Off Bay Waterpark in Kansas Listed as Dream Design

Lessons From This Year’s Dream Designs Honorees

Introducing the 2024 Aquatics International Dream Designs Honorees

Nebraska’s Gretna Crossing Joins Dream Designs Slate

Wichita’s Harvest Park Pool Makes Dream Designs Ranking

Dream Designs Honor Awarded to Cancun’s Aqua Nick Riviera Maya

Merriam Community Center in Kansas Awarded Dream Design Title

Take a Sneak Peek at Our First 2024 Dream Designs Honoree: Mississippi’s Serengeti Springs

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Apply Now for the 2024 Aquatics International Dream Designs Program

Justin Wiley Honored with 2024 Aquatics International Power Award

Julie Lopiccolo and Jonathan St. Clair Honored in 2024 Aquatics International Power Issue

Alissa Magrum Recognized with 2024 Aquatics International Power Award

Alison Petri Named in Aquatics International’s 2024 Power Issue

The ZAC Foundation’s Ferraro and Cohn Recognized in AI Power Issue

American Red Cross’ Bill Ramos Highlighted in Aquatics International Power Issue

Pam Cannell of NDPA Honored in Aquatics International Power Issue

Will Koon Named in Aquatics International’s 2024 Power Issue

Aquatics News Updates

WWA Award Winners Named

Los Angeles Aquatics Division Wins Programming Category in 2023 Best of Aquatics

Farmers Branch Aquatics Center Awarded with 2023 Best of Aquatics for Training

Carson Valley Swim Center Takes 2023 Best of Aquatics in Programming

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Awarded 2023 Best of Aquatics in Customer Service

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Honored with 2023 Best of Aquatics Award in Special Events

Texas’ Woodlands Township Named in 2023 Best of Aquatics

SNAPkids of Berkeley, Calif. Gains Best of Aquatics Designation

Wisconsin’s Phillips Community Pool Earns Best of Aquatics Honor

South Carolina’s Greenville County Aquatics Complex Honored in Best of Aquatics Issue

Surf Park Awards Named

Bedford Center YMCA at Generations Park Reaches Dream Designs Status

Oklahoma’s Choctaw Casino and Resort Joins Slate of 2023 Aquatics International Dream Designs

Alabama’s WildWater Takes Spot on Dream Designs Lineup

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Named a 2023 Aquatics International Dream Design

China’s Studio City Water Park Chosen as a 2023 Aquatics International Dream Design

North Natomas Community and Aquatic Center Makes Dream Designs List

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fins Up Waterpark Takes a Dream Designs Title

University of Nebraska Medical Center Monroe-Meyer Institute Named a 2023 Dream Design

Conrad Punta de Mita Resort Garners 2023 Dream Designs Recognition

Mt. San Antonio College Aquatic Center Earns Dream Designs Honor

See the Crème de la Crème in European Commercial Pool Design

The Power of Quiet Influence

Craig Sears Garners Aquatics International Power Issue Distinction

Diversity in Aquatics’ Miriam Lynch Featured in Aquatics International Power Issue

Dennis Berkshire Gains Aquatics International Power Issue Distinction

Bill O’Melia of Drennen’s Dreams Honored in Aquatics International Power Issue

Oregon Health Inspector John Mason Named in Aquatics International Power Issue

Stephanie Shook of the American Red Cross Receives Aquatics International Power Issue Honor

AOAP President Craig Merkey Highlighted in Aquatics International Power Issue

Morag Mackay Earns Aquatics International Power Issue Honor

World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame Inductees

New IAAPA Hall of Famers Inducted

Willow Stream Pool — Buffalo Grove Park District Receives 2022 Best of Aquatics Award

Pirates Bay Waterpark Named in 2022 Best of Aquatics Program

Marana Pool Recognized in 2022 Best of Aquatics

Appalachian State University Honored with 2022 Best of Aquatics Award

Baha Bay Waterpark Awarded a Best of Aquatics Title

City of Brenham Blue Bell Aquatic Center Named in Best of Aquatics

Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center Recognized as a Best of Aquatics

City of Temecula Community Recreation Center Honored in Best of Aquatics Competition

Turtle Splash Water Park Receives Best of Aquatics Honor

PHTA Scholarship Recipients Named

Find Out Who Won Awards at This Year’s WWA Conference

Ever Evolving: Some Thoughts About This Year’s Dream Designs

ICYMI: Check Out This Year’s AI Dream Designs

Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Receives 2022 AI Dream Designs Honor

See These Other Categories That Took Dream Designs Honors

Linwood Park Spray Ground Receives 2022 AI Dream Design Award

Newton Swimming Pool Awarded 2022 AI Dream Designs

Deaconess Aquatic Center Honored in 2022 AI Dream Designs

Atlantis Dubai Aquaventure Named a 2022 AI Dream Design

Berthoud Recreation Center at Waggener Farm Park Recognized as 2022 Dream Design

Check Out This Year’s Dream Design Waterparks

These Family Aquatics Centers Take Dream Designs Recognition

The Cove at The Piazza Pool Awarded 2022 AI Dream Designs

Thrive Recreation Center Named a 2022 AI Dream Designs

Baha Bay Waterpark Named 2022 AI Dream Designs

Vinwonders Phu Quoc Theme Park Honored as a 2022 AI Dream Design

Welcome to Aquatics International’s 2022 Most Valuable Products

Aquatics International Celebrates the Best of Aquatics and Power Honorees at AOAP

First WWA Awards Announced

Introducing Tidal Cove Waterpark of Aventura, Fla. – a 2021 Dream Design

Kalahari’s Latest Resort, in Round Rock Texas, Named as 2021 Dream Design

Hyatt Regency Aruba’s Trankilo Pool Named 2021 Dream Design

Omni Las Colinas of Irving, Texas Takes Title of 2021 Dream Design

Check Out This 2021 Dream Design: Scott Carpenter Pool of Boulder, Colo.

Hackley School — Walter C. Johnson Center for Health and Wellness Honored as Aquatics International Dream Design

Waterpark at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Listed as Dream Designs Honoree

UNC Charlotte Recreation Center Recognized as 2021 Dream Design

The St. James of Springfield, Va. Named in Aquatics Intl. Dream Designs Issue

Competition Pool at West Covina, Calif.’s Edgewood High School Named 2021 Dream Design

Water Odyssey Launches Mushroom Maze

Vortex Aquatic Structures International Debuts Astra

ProSlide Introduces the Dueling RocketBLAST/FlyingSAUCER Water Coaster

Hayward Presents HydroRite UV Ultraviolet Disinfection System

Clear Comfort’s Launches All-New Inline or Surge Pit Diffuser Kits

Pulsar Systems Presents Pulsar Precision

Pentair Releases Newly Improved IntelliChem Controller

Empex Watertoys Offers AquaBild

Sider-Crete Introduces the Sider-Pool Plaster Patch

Polin Waterparks’ Launches Splash Courses

Automatic Pool Covers Improves SmartMotion Technology

Aquatix Offers AquaSmart Packages for Splash Pads

Introducing Aquatics International’s 2021 Most Valuable Products

The Redwoods Group Honored in Power Issue

Counsilman-Hunsaker Earn Place in Power Issue

California Parks & Recreation Society Aquatics Section Honored in Power Issue

The Aquatics Coalition is Recognized in Annual Power Issue

Modified Swim Instruction Methods Earns Starfish Aquatics Institute a Spot on AI’s 2021 Power List

Starguard Elite Honored in 2021 Power Issue for Proactive Approach to Lifeguarding During the Pandemic

SR Smith Takes U.K. Pool and Spa Awards

Dunn, Basala Join World Waterpark Association’s Hall of Fame

A Balm for Trying Times: The 2020 Aquatics International Dream Designs

British Columbia’s Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre Langley Named Dream Design by Aquatics International

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Fla. Gains Dream Design Status

Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex Makes 2020 Dream Design List

Ohio’s Blue Ash Wading Pool Honored as 2020 Dream Design

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Thrill Waterpark Earns Dream Design Recognition

Soaky Mountain of Sevierville, Tenn. Joins 2020 Dream Design Slate

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center Earns Dream Designs Honor

Check out this Dream Design: Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort of the Dominican Republic

Introducing River Rapids Waterpark of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.: A 2020 Dream Design

New International Swimming Hall of Fame Design Concept Revealed

Don’t Miss Aquatics International’s February/March Power Issue!

You’re Invited: AI Hosts Special Event at AOAP

Breckenridge Recreation Center of Colorado Gains 2019 Best of Aquatics Recognition

Lakeshore Foundation’s Targeted Programming Recognized in Best of Aquatics

Innovation in Training Marks This Year’s Best of Aquatics Designees

City of Mesa Parks and Recreation Takes Best of Aquatics Honor

Davie Aquatics Profiled in 2019 Best of Aquatics Issue

Nozomi Aquatic Center of Arizona Takes Best of Aquatics Honor

Epic Waters Waterpark Honored for Targeted Programming in 2019 Best of Aquatics

2019 European Star Awards Honor Waterparks and Waterpark Rides

2019 Golden Ticket Awards Presented to Waterparks

Announcing the July 2019 Summer Lifeguard Challenge Winners

Flip Through Our 2019 July-August Digital Edition

Missouri’s Wapelhorst Aquatic Center Awarded 2019 Dream Design

Marguerite Aquatics Complex Brings Home AI 2019 Dream Design Award

Adventure Cove Named 2019 Dream Designs Winner

Great Outdoor Waterpark Honored with 2019 Dream Designs

Introducing the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark of New York, a 2019 Dream Design

2019 Dream Designs: Constant Evolution

Check Out Epic Waters of Grand Prairie, Texas, a 2019 Dream Design

Splashaway Bay at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Island at CocoCay Becomes a 2019 AI Dream Design

Indianapolis’ Own Pike High School Natatorium Named in 2019 AI Dream Designs

The Center of Recreational Excellence Storms Into This Year’s AI Dream Designs

Oklahoma’s Westwood Family Aquatic Center Receives 2019 AI Dream Designs Honor

Announcing the Winner of AI’s June Summer Lifeguard Challenge!

Our Aquatics International Dream Designs Issue is Coming! In the Meantime, a Recap of Some Favorites

International Swimming Hall of Fame Honors DiGiovanni

ICYMI: Flip Through Our February/March Digital Edition

Trusted Forecaster: David Sangree is the Waterpark Industry’s Go-To Prognosticator

Data Doctor: Tim Flood Honored with Aquatics International’s Power Award

Dedicated Researcher: Laura Suppes Named Aquatics International Power Honoree

Aquatics Advocate: Eadric Bressel Honored for Aquatic Research

All-Around Specialist: Counsilman-Hunsaker’s Kevin Post Named to 2019 Aquatics International Power Issue

Devoted Messenger: Michele Long of the City of Mesa Fire and Medical Dept. Honored for Outreach

Association Unifier: Lawrence Caniglia Honored by Aquatics International for Industry Influence

Share Your Special Programming Ideas at the AOAP Conference

City of Chandler is a 2018 Best of Aquatics Winner for Community Outreach

Westwood Family Aquatics Honored with 2018 Best of Aquatics Award

Fairfax County Park Authority is a 2018 Best of Aquatics Winner for Programming

Learn About the Training That Makes Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation a Best of Aquatics Honoree

Flip Through Our November/December Digital Edition

Randolph YMCA Named 2018 Best of Aquatics Winner for Targeted Programming

Farmers Branch is a 2018 Best of Aquatics Recipient

Introducing the 2018 Best of Aquatics Winners

Willoughby Parks and Recreation Named in Best of Aquatics

Fairmont Aquatic Facility Wins 2018 Best of Aquatics Award for Programming

NSPF Awards $16K in Grants

Highlights from Last Year’s Best of Aquatics

Apex Center of McKinney, Texas Named Aquatics International Dream Design

Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas Honored as Aquatics International Dream Design

Through the Years: A Look Back at Favorite Aquatics International Dream Designs

Read the New February/March Issue of AI Now

Change Maker: Ebony Rosemond Brings Much-Needed Diversity to Swimming

Saving Grace: Laura Metro Turns Near Tragedy into a Cause for Good

Global Messenger: Leslie Donavan is Bringing Water-Safety Instruction Around the World

Tara Eggleston Stewart: A Diversifying Force in Aquatics

Heroes, Big and Small

Waterpark Sage: Jim Basala Means Business About Public Waterparks

Water Warrior: Wallace J. Nichols Wants Everyone to Get Wet

You’re Invited: Aquatics International at AOAP

Morgan’s Inspiration Island Receives USA Today’s Best New Attraction Award Nomination

Olympic Swimmer Honored with 2017 Women of Inspiration Award

Waterpark Manufacturers Bring Home Brass Rings

Thomas Lachocki, World Aquatic Health Conference Recognized with Blue Mind Award

World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame Grows by Four

Willoughby Parks and Recreation Earns the Targeted Programming Best of Aquatics Award

The Woodlands Township Gets Recognized for Lifeguard Management

City of Brenham Blue Bell Aquatic Center Earns the Community Outreach Best of Aquatics Award

Highlands Park Aquatic Center Scores Best of Aquatics Award for Programming

Silliman Family Aquatic Center Wins the Best of Aquatics Training Award

Summit Family Aquatic Center Wins Best of Aquatics 2017 for Programming

Round Rock Parks and Recreation Wins Best of Aquatics 2017 for Lifeguard Management

River Road Park and Recreation District Receives Best of Aquatics Award for Safety

UCR Student Recreation Center Wins Best of Aquatics for Training

Gift for a Beloved Daughter: Morgan’s Inspiration Island

Crests & Valleys: Midwest Health Aquatic Center

Get Into Dodge: Long Branch Lagoon

Dream Designs 2017: Stories to Tell

Training Mecca: Northern Arizona University Aquatics and Tennis Complex

History in Technicolor: Darwin’s Islands of Adventure

ISHOF Class of 2017 Announced

“Swim Team” Documentary Director Sits Down with Aquatics International

Swimming Documentary Wins Big at Film Fest

Polin Waterparks Earns Research and Development Certification

Dream Designs 2017 is Just Around the Corner

Setting the Bar: The YMCA’s Lindsay Mondick Helped Establish a New Water Safety Standard

An Eternal Bond: A Brush With Death Inspired Catherine Barry to Develop Water Safety Initiatives

Olympic Feat: Matt Farrell and the Formation of Swim Today

Aqua Man: Lake White was Born for Life in the Aquatics Industry

Helping all Abilities: Cindy Freedman and Ailene Tisse Help Teach Children to Swim

On The Forefront: Andrea Salzman’s Aquatic Therapy Career Spans 25 Years

Going for Gold: Myriam Glez of USA Synchronized Swimming Redirects a Struggling Organization

Living Tribute: Rob Butcher of Swim Across America is Fueled by Mother’s Memory

Waterpark Manufacturers Win Brass Ring Awards at IAAPA 2016

South Miami Parks & Recreation Makes Best of Aquatics Roster

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is Helping to Create the Next Generation of Lifeguards

Willoughby Parks and Recreation Wins Best of Aquatics Award for Innovations in Safety

Shasta Family YMCA Honored in 2016 Best of Aquatics

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center Improves Customer Experience

Greensboro Aquatic Center Wins 2016 Best of Aquatics Award

Meet the 2016 Best of Aquatics Winners

Targeted Programming: Brownell-Talbot School

Conroe Aquatics Center Honored in 2016 Best of Aquatics for Programming

River Road Wins 2016 Best of Aquatics Award for Training

Whirlin’ Waters Nabs 2016 Best of Aquatics Award for Best Training

WhiteWater’s MASSIV Water Coaster Earns Leading Edge Award

Dream Designs Web Exclusive: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Dream Designs Winners Show the Continuing Evolution of Theming

Future Forward: Rogers Aquatic Center

Rio Olympic Medal Designs Unveiled

First USA Swimming Executive Director Passes Away

Polin Waterparks Celebrates Successful First Quarter

Oregon Lifeguards Tend to Victims of Park Shooting

Aquatics International to Honor Award Winners at Annual Breakfast

Saving a Voice: Jim Paterson

Great Integrator: Louise Kublick

Joining Forces: Stephen G. Little

Natural Leader: John Spannuth

Ambitious Educator: Connie Harvey

Island Rescuer: Jim McCrady

On a Roll: Abby Hoeschler

Uniting Families: Alan Korn and Blake Collingsworth

Aquatics International Names 2016 Power Issue Honorees

Assisting Angels: Joe Lewis

Inspiration Point

May and Maltsev share ‘Male Synchro Athlete of Year’ Honor

Take a Look Back at the Aquatics International Power People

Boundary Breaker: Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Foundation Honors Top in Field

Introducing Best of Aquatics 2015

Introducing the 2015 Best of Aquatics Honorees

Best of Aquatics 2015: DropZone Waterpark

Best of Aquatics 2015: Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld

Best of Aquatics 2015: Alga Norte Community Park Aquatic Center

Best of Aquatics 2015: City of Phoenix Aquatics

Best of Aquatics 2015: Galter LifeCenter

Best of Aquatics 2015: River Road Park and Recreation District

Best of Aquatics 2015: Columbia Association