Location: Blue Ash, Ohio
Delivery Method: Construction Manager at Risk
Industry: Municipal / Sports & Recreation
Architect: Brandstetter Carroll Inc.
Description
Universal Contracting Corporation served as the Construction Manager at Risk for the transformation of the City of Blue Ash Recreation Center’s outdoor aquatic, tennis, and pickleball facilities.
Designed to create a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging recreational experience, the project replaced aging amenities with modern spaces that support swimmers, athletes, families, and community members of all ages.
The new aquatic complex features approximately 14,600 square feet of pool space, including areas for lap swimming, recreation, and family activities. A zero-depth entrance with accessible handrails provides easier pool access, while social stairs, a vortex area, a family slide, and a new slide tower offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Additional improvements include expanded shade areas, updated concessions, enhanced deck circulation, and a redesigned entrance.
The project also included the reconstruction of the surrounding tennis and pickleball facilities. Improvements feature six dedicated pickleball courts, renovated tennis courts, new fencing, updated lighting, California corners, and shaded gathering areas where players and spectators can connect.
Constructing a large outdoor recreation complex within a limited offseason required careful planning, coordination, and schedule management. Universal worked closely with the City of Blue Ash, the design team, specialty contractors, and recreation staff to bring the community’s vision to life while preparing the facilities for the summer season.
Project Highlights
- Approximately 14,600 square feet of aquatic space
- Zero-depth pool entrance with accessible handrails
- Lap swimming and leisure areas
- Social stairs and vortex feature
- Family slide and three-slide tower
- Improved concessions and pool-deck circulation
- Additional shade structures and gathering spaces
- Six dedicated pickleball courts
- Renovated tennis courts
- New court lighting, fencing, and shaded social areas
The completed improvements create a vibrant recreation destination built to serve the Blue Ash community for generations to come.
