Swim season halted as renovations to Aquatic Center get underway

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho swimmers will have to wait a bit longer for indoor swim season.

The Rio Rancho Aquatic Center closed Monday for renovations that are scheduled to continue until Oct. 31, according to the Aquatic Center’s website.

The scheduled month-and-a-half project marks the first major upgrade and refurbishment of the building since it was opened in 2008. Estimated at $3.2 million, the project will include new ventilation, heating, air conditioning and dehumidification systems. The RRAC will also get a revamp cosmetically, with new paint for the interior and exterior, along with new stucco and gutters.

However, the Center’s makeover will leave some Rio Rancho swimmers seeking an alternative, according to local swim coaches.

“We normally have one week of pre-season workouts, which we won’t be able to do this season,” Cleveland swim coach Patrick Dorman said. “It’s not ideal, but I don’t anticipate that it’s going to have much effect on our season overall.”

The construction not only sidelines the Cleveland and Rio Rancho swim teams in their pre-season prep, but also community members who participate in classes and other offerings the center hosts. Everything from Aqua Zumba to free swims will have to wait until November.

The City of Vision won’t be left completely dry, though, with the outdoor Rainbow Pool on Southern Boulevard extending its hours in response to the closure, hosting open swims, swim lessons and more.

While the renovation throws a wrench into many plans, the excitement for the makeover remains high ahead of peak indoor swim season.

“We’re excited and happy for these renovations,” Rio Rancho swim coach Jeremiah Stanton said. “The light project that was completed has been fantastic. It really brightened up everything inside. They are making accommodations for us at Rainbow.”

Just days after the project’s scheduled completion, the high school swim season will begin on Nov. 3.