June 10, 2024: Lisa Loucks-Christenson Photo Essay on Rochester, Minnesota's 22 Million Dollar Soldiers Field Aquatic Park.

June 10, 2024

June 10, 2024: Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s Photo Essay on Rochester, Minnesota’s 22 Million Dollar Soldiers Field Aquatic Center.

June 10, 2024

Photo Caption: Sunset view on Soldiers Field Aquatic Center in downtown Rochester, Minnesota in the Soldiers Field Memorial Parkway.

By Lisa Loucks-Christenson Rochester Sun Times News Publisher

Published by the Rochester Sun Times News on June 10, 2024 at 23:51 (11:51 P.M.) CDT.

Rochester, Minnesota (Rochester Sun Times News) –– Today, June 10, 2024, at noon, the Memorial Park Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, opened its doors, becoming the newest downtown attraction in the city.

The closure of the Soldiers Field Pool occurred during the Summer of 2023, leaving swimmers and sunbathers searching for alternative options. With the construction starting in September of 2023, the new aquatic center had planned its grand opening to happen during the summer of 2024. Today, in the picturesque city of Rochester, Minnesota, a momentous occasion unfolded as hundreds of enthusiastic individuals came together to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They were given the incredible honor of being the inaugural swimmers in the highly anticipated, state-of-the-art pool that came with a staggering price tag of 22 million dollars.

PHOTO ESSSAY OF THE NEW SOLDIERS FIELD AQUATIC CENTER

Photo Captions (top): The last pool sliders of the night at Rochester’s newest attraction, the Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center.

Second Photo: The shallow pool and water splash pad sunset.

Third Photo: Water Slide overflowing with bubbles.

Bottom Photo: The maze of vibrant water slide tubes and stairs.

Photo Caption: (top and bottom photo): The new Soldier’s Field Aquatic Park opened in downtown Rochester, with the Mayo Clinic and other skyline buildings visible in the far distance. © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All Rights Reserved.

When did Soldiers Field Pool close?

In the summer of 2023, the facility ceased operations, and the construction progress was on track to meet the target of opening in the summer of 2024.

How Was This Funded?

The city’s official statement reveals that the availability of funds for this project, totaling $22 million dollars, can be attributed to federal grants, state grants, the local park referendum, and funding from the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency.

The combination of at least one life ring and multiple lifeguards is essential to maintaining a secure environment at the new aquatic center.

Photo Caption (collection): At sunset, a scene unfolded with many individuals taking part in different activities, including swimming laps, playing, and climbing the rock wall. There were several lifeguards on duty, and all of them were attentive to the people they served. Photos: © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Captions: (Top, middle, bottom): These photos capture the pure joy on the kids’ faces as they take full advantage of the exciting activities available, including the rock-climbing wall. © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All Rights Reserved.

Lisa Loucks-Christenson documented the park’s sunset shots on the first day. As the pool closed its doors, the narrative shifted gears to prioritize capturing the shots.

The setting sun cast a warm, orange hue on the water spray, creating a picturesque scene. Families could be seen happily packing up, their faces radiating with the same exuberant joy that Lisa’s Tag, “Stories Picturing Daily Life™,” aimed to capture.

The day proved to be extraordinary for those who were in attendance, as they became the first guests to enjoy the new swimming and water activity facilities, while others were also present for lap swimming. Perhaps, they just came to make a big splash, like Rochester did, by crafting a new chapter in the history of Rochester, Minnesota, this June 10, 2024.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

Soldiers Field Aquatic Center address: 244 Soldiers Field Drive SW, Rochester, Minnesota.

From their website:

The All-New Soldiers Field Aquatics Center is scheduled to be completed and open for the 2024 summer. Amenities at the new aquatic center include:

Lazy River with zero depth entry
3 Waterslide Tower (2 body slides and 1 tube slide)
50 meter activity and lap pool with a climbing wall, drop slide, basketball hoop and zip line
Splash Pad with spray features, fountains and multi-level play structure

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday
- Toddler Time and Adult Lazy River Walk Time - 10 AM - 11:30 AM
- Open Swim Time - 12 PM - 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday
- Open Swim Time Session 1 - 11 AM - 3:15 PM
- Open Swim Time Session 2 - 3:45 PM - 8 PM

Price:

The prices can change depending on various factors such as age, day, time, and the specific lesson. According to their website, they have decided not to sell annual passes this year because of the overwhelming demand for the pools. If you’re interested in checking out their rates, you can find the link below.

Follow this link to visit the City of Rochester, Minnesota’s website and discover everything you need to know about the outdoor pools and beaches.

https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails-recreation-facilities/outdoor-pools-beaches

Learn More About This Project Here:

https://www.rochestermn.gov/Home/Components/Topic/Topic/11767/3986

Here is one of their YouTube videos that shows the development of Rochester’s newest attraction, Soldiers Field Aquatic Center.

PHOTOS:

The online photos are resized to ensure faster loading times for our readers, especially those using dial-up connections. The photos captured in this collection may find their place in Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s book and exhibit, Square Eye: 50-Year Rochester, Minnesota History. High Resolution photos are available for licensing.

Lisa Loucks-Christenson writes and provides her assignment or stock images, illustrations, syndicated comics and columns to multiple publications, such as magazines, newspapers, and online platforms.
From Disney to Veterinarian Learning Systems, she has collaborated with a wide range of publishing companies, including HarperCollins, Woman’s World, Travel World International, Esquire, Penguin Random House - Heinemann, and many others.

Lisa created the Rochester Sun Times News as a platform to preserve local stories. This platform is ad-free, with only business ads that apply to the stories and news and Lisa’s work. Lisa also self-funded this platform to showcase her interviews, photos, and art. If there is a story inside you that you are eager to tell, we kindly request that you make use of our contact form to share it with us.

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