A new state-of-the-art, competitive-grade aquatic center is coming to Ocala.
Ken Colen, the CEO of On Top of the World (OTOW), made the announcement during a meeting of the Ocala/Marion Chamber and Economic Partnership on Jan. 15. According to Colen, the new center will be the largest facility of its kind locally, topping 80,000 square feet with an indoor 50-meter pool.
“This is, without a doubt, the largest scale aquatic center that Marion County has ever seen,” said Colen.
Colen emphasized that with the unique undertaking, the company is paying special attention to the nuances that make for the best competitive-grade swimming pools.
“We’re taking the design very seriously. We want to build a facility that’s a great competitive facility,” said Colen. “We are paying a lot of attention to the returns and minimizing turbulence in the pool. We’re paying attention to the hydraulics as we build this pool.”
The 50-meter pool, which will be located at On Top of The World, will have the potential to play host to the largest tournaments around the state and country. In addition to the main pool, the facility will offer a 25-yard warm-up pool and a smaller play pool for children. Colen believes the total offering will ultimately translate to dollars being spent in the county.
“We anticipate significant tax revenues and benefits to Marion County. Swim meets pack people in. A lot of heads in beds. A lot of meals in restaurants,” said Colen.
Check back on Ocala-News.com for more information and updates as they become available.