The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center was designed with respect and sensitivity to its location. The design process included a Municipal Use Master Plan and encouraged broad community involvement in the planning and design phase. We held a series of community meetings to gather community input during the programming phase and then presented conceptual designs for input prior to finalizing the Master Plan. The design of this municipal facility was organized around a significant existing desert arroyo and views to the McDowell Mountains. The exterior forms of the Center are derived from the angular forms of the mountains blending the structures into the desert site. Natural daylighting and ventilation is utilized throughout the facility providing strong indoor / outdoor connectivity.

The 24,000 s.f. facility consists of a community room, fitness center, dance & aerobics, three outdoor pools and a skate park. The programs and drop-in activities provide a wide range of options for all user age groups creating a truly multi-generational community center. The translucent art wall that was developed in association with Seattle artist Norie Sato acts as a focal point for the axis of the main entry for the center. It creates a play of light and color that is active throughout the day and into the evening.