Bernards and HMC Architects were selected to lead the design and construction of the City of Lancaster’s new Marvin E. Crist Aquatic Center, a new regional destination for swimming, training, and recreation. Recently approved by the Lancaster City Council, the new facility will serve Lancaster residents, the Antelope Valley Union High School District, and the broader region.  

This $85 million design-build project is designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Plans include an Olympic-size competition pool, with spectator seating for up to 1,500. Inside, the facility will include the spaces needed to make every visit smooth and welcoming. These include a lobby and check-in area, a staff observation room, dressing and restroom facilities, instructional classrooms, meeting spaces, multi-purpose rooms, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment. 

During the City Council meeting at which the project was approved, Victoria Reyna, assistant director of the City of Lancaster Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Department said, “The Marvin E. Crist Aquatic Center has the potential to position Lancaster as a regional and national destination for competitive aquatics.” The larger facility will allow the community to enjoy more lanes, better practice opportunities for school swim teams, and attract higher caliber high-school competitions to Lancaster. A future joint-use agreement between the city and the Antelope Valley Union High School District will expand access, support competitive programming, and give the city and district more flexibility in how the facility is used throughout the year. “For our student athletes, that means a better environment to practice and compete. For the city, it means that we can support our students without having to choose between school use and community programming,” said Reyna.

When it opens in 2030, the facility will support a healthier quality of life through aquatic sports and recreation and create more opportunities for community connection. 

“I think that something like this is long overdue for the community,” said Councilmember Ken Mann. “We’re clearly building the future for not only Lancaster, but also Antelope Valley.”