New Pool Makes a Splash: Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center

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"BACK," "TO" AND "SCHOOL" is perhaps the most depressing sequence of words in the English language. But it's hard to believe any kid (or grown-up) wouldn't want to spend some of the final days of summer safely inside Wilson High School now that its aquatic center has undergone a $34.7 million makeover and reopened to the public.

Not even a block from the Tenleytown Metro station, the complex at 4551 Fort Drive NW houses a 50-meter pool for serious laps, two shallow leisure pools for families and splash-arounders (water basketball, anyone?) and a heated whirlpool. And if you're a Washington resident, you're invited to dive in for free. Until the end of the month, your driver's license is enough to grant you admission, but the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation is encouraging everyone to apply for a D.C. One card. You can get it on-site in about 15 minutes, and it'll be your pool pass all over the city. (Maryland and Virginia interlopers are also invited to swim, but they'll have to pay $4 per day for adults and $3 per day for kids and seniors.)

Once school starts again, the Wilson swim team will take over some of the lanes, but the plan is to always keep at least three open for anyone interested in exercise, and to offer a wide array of courses. They've already kicked off water aerobics and learn-to-swim classes, and the schedule is growing. Maybe going back to school isn't so bad after all.

Photo courtesy DCDPR