RDG in the Media: Where Champions Train and Communities Gather
RDG's Brad Rodenburg and Justin Caron of Aquatic Design Group contribute to Recreation Management Magazine, spotlighting the Waukee Community School District Natatorium as a model for performance-driven, inclusive aquatic design.
As interest in aquatic sports and wellness continues to rise throughout the Midwest, many communities are looking for facilities that can simultaneously serve competitive athletes and everyday users. In the September issue of Recreation Management Magazine, RDG Architect and Partner Brad Rodenberg, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, and Aquatic Design Group Principal and CEO Justin Caron, MBA, AFO, CPO, share insights into how design for the Waukee Community School District's Natatorium meets diverse aquatic needs and elevates aquatic access and performance across the region.
In the article, Rodenberg and Caron explore how the natatorium blends technical excellence with adaptable, community-centered design, delivering a 50-meter-by-25-yard competition pool with two movable bulkheads, high-efficiency mechanical systems and flexible seating that invites participation from athletes, spectators and families alike throughout the facility.
Beyond competition, the space supports swim lessons, adaptive therapy and wellness programming through features like a warm-water teaching pool and intuitive circulation paths. The design prioritizes comfort, safety and long-term durability while setting the stage for record-breaking performance, including during the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Championships, demonstrating the faciliy as both a community asset and a serious competition venue.