When the Artesia High School Natatorium in Artesia, New Mexico, was demolished in June 2014, it left a significant void in the local community. More than just a facility, the natatorium once served as the go-to place for high school swim practices, swim lessons, and water safety education. Its absence was felt deeply by the students and families of the Artesia community as they grappled with the realities of no longer having a local resource for swimming and water-related activities.
Without a local training space, the Artesia High School swim team was forced to travel long distances to access practice pools. Beyond the inconvenience, this placed unnecessary strain on both the students and the school district. Meanwhile, young children in the community missed out on essential water safety lessons, a critical component of lifelong safety and confidence around water.
Something had to be done.
A Solution Takes Shape
Recognizing the growing need for a modern aquatics facility to serve both the school and the broader community, the concept for the Artesia Aquatic Center emerged in 2017 from a collaboration between the City of Artesia, Artesia Public Schools, and the Artesia Aquatic Center Foundation– who, together, worked tirelessly to bring the Artesia Aquatic Center to life.
“When our much-loved natatorium was demolished, the absence echoed heavily in our community because it was more than just a facility – it was a lifeline,” says General Manager Sabrina DeHoyos.
Following years of planning, development, and fundraising, the Artesia Aquatic Center officially opened its doors in May 2019. The facility became an immediate boon for the high school swim team, offering them a reliable and world-class venue for their practices and competitions. No longer facing extensive commutes, the students could now focus fully on athletic advancement and growth.
Far-Reaching Impact
The benefits of the Artesia Aquatic Center extend far beyond the high school swim team. It quickly became a vital community hub, offering swimming lessons for children and adults, fitness programs, special events, and recreational opportunities for families. By prioritizing water safety education, the center has stepped in to fill a gap, ensuring that children in Artesia grow up with essential swimming skills that can enhance their lives, and, perhaps, one day save them.
This facility also serves as a venue for fostering community engagement through events, swim meets, and recreational activities. By creating a shared space for residents and students, the Artesia Aquatic Center helps strengthen community bonds while promoting health and wellness.
Closing the Gap
Built out of necessity, the Artesia Aquatic Center has exceeded the founders’ expectations and stands as a shining example of what community-driven projects can achieve. It’s a reminder of the importance of investing in community needs and a testament to the power of collaboration.
“The Artesia Aquatic Center is not just a world-class venue for the high-school swim team, but a vital part of our community,” said Amber Griffin, the complex’s Aquatics Coordinator. “We’ve prioritized water safety education, ensuring our youngsters grow up with essential swimming skills for lifelong safety and confidence around water. Plus, the center serves as a venue for fostering community engagement through events, swim meets, and recreational activities. Through community advocacy and collaboration, great things are possible.”
