Manatee County's $44 million Athletics and Aquatics Center in Lakewood Ranch is nearing completion, with officials targeting a late December opening for the complex featuring two swimming pools, 24 pickleball courts and community event space.

Recreation Division Manager Allison Minardi and Chet Brown, chief of Beach Patrol and Aquatic Safety, discussed the facility's amenities and water-safety preparations during the Monday, Oct. 12, episode of the county's "Chambers, Changes & Conversations" podcast.

The center, at 16350 Rangeland Parkway next to the Lakewood Ranch Library, is part of the Premier Sports Campus North development.

An exact opening date has not been announced. Manatee County Director of Sports and Leisure Services Molly White told the Bradenton Herald earlier this month that the county was "aiming for the end of December."

Competition pool draws swim teams to Lakewood Ranch

The facility's centerpiece is a 50-meter competition pool with eight lanes running lengthwise or approximately 18 lanes across its width.

The pool uses Myrtha technology, a system also used for USA Swimming's Olympic Trials, according to county aquatic safety Capt. John Linxwiler.

A 25-by-15-foot scoreboard can display race information and stream competitions live. A separate, smaller pool will accommodate swimming lessons, therapy and recreational programming.

Both pools are temperature-controlled through a $1 million geothermal system and equipped with lifts for accessibility. Together, they hold 832,704 gallons of water, Your Observer reported.

The 50-meter pool resulted from community advocacy in 2021, when swimmers, coaches and parents urged the Manatee County Commission to expand the original plans for a 25-meter pool.

Local swim organizations are already preparing to use the complex.

Lakewood Ranch Swim Association Lightning Coach Steve Lubrino told Your Observer that the Lightning, Parrish Bull Sharks and Sarasota Tsunami are planning a meet to coincide with the grand opening.

Youth teams have begun scheduling practices, while college programs are expected to use the facility during winter and spring breaks, FOX 13 reported.

Public lap swimming is expected to be free under the county's existing pool-access policy, although organized teams will pay for reserved pool time.

Brown said the facility was designed to accommodate both groups.

"We'll always have plenty of space between the two pools for the public and the swim teams," he told Your Observer in September. "There'll be no issues."

During the county podcast, Brown and Minardi also discussed coordination between recreation and public safety personnel on lifeguard staffing and operating procedures. Specific staffing ratios and safety protocols have not been publicly detailed.

Pickleball courts, memberships and community space

The complex includes 24 pickleball courts, 14 of them covered, along with a shaded practice wall.

Drop-in pickleball play is expected to cost $5 for two hours, while monthly memberships will cost $35.

Players will be able to use the CourtReserve app to check scheduled open-play sessions. County officials have said some courts will remain available for walk-up use.

The facility also includes a community room overlooking the pools through floor-to-ceiling windows. The room can be rented for private gatherings and divided into two smaller spaces, each with television access and use of a catering kitchen.

More than 240 parking spaces are planned.

The county's proposed operating hours are:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours, fees and programming schedules should be confirmed when the county announces the official opening.

More Premier Sports Campus projects nearing completion

The Athletics and Aquatics Center is one of several projects approaching completion at the 111-acre Premier Sports Campus North site.

Other improvements expected by the end of 2026 include a second floor for the Lakewood Ranch Library, a Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation and two synthetic-turf soccer fields.

The combined projects are intended to expand recreational, athletic and public services in the growing Lakewood Ranch area.

The county has not announced a ribbon-cutting date for the Athletics and Aquatics Center.