By Ben Antonius | Daily Republic | August 14, 2009
Walter Mazarigos, top, and Selvin Diaz, with Pool Scene Inc. in West Sacramento, work on the childrens' play area in the new Allan Witt Aquatic Complex Tuesday. The complex will include the play area, water slides and an enclosed pool. Photo by Brad Zweerink
FAIRFIELD - A few wayward dolphins are the last hints of the old Allan Witt Pool.
The city is nearing completion of the new Allan Witt Aquatic Complex, a project that encompasses an enclosed pool, water slides and water play areas. What it does not have is any resemblance to the old project.
'It is nothing like the old L-shaped pools you used to see,' project manager Fred Beiner said.
Construction on the project began in August 2008 and is on schedule to finish in the coming winter. Whether that is late 2009 or early 2010 is still up in the air.
Either way, the hope is for a soft opening in winter and to unveil the entire project to the city in a springtime 2010 grand opening event, Beiner said.
The pool is being built in the same spot as the old Allan Witt Park pool, which had become dilapidated before it closed in 2003.
The only remaining structure is the brick building nearest the sports center that used to be lockers and showers. It has been gutted and the floor dug out to house pumps, heaters and other equipment. Doorways have been closed and some of the wall has been painted over, but a few parts of the old dolphin mural remain.
Once completed, the new pool will actually be more of a water park. The most visible amenities are two towering water slides that are visible from West Texas Street, as is the large glass building that encloses a six-lane, all-season pool. The project also includes a playground set in knee-deep water and a wet play area with water toys. The budget for the project is about $14 million.
See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.
