Ready, Set, Splash! Lawton’s Aquatic Center

The Lawton Aquatic Center has quickly become a centerpiece of community life in Elmer Thomas Park. It’s more than just a place to swim; families gather, kids race to the slides, and neighbors enjoy a summer afternoon together. Guernsey partnered closely with city leaders to design the 42,200-square-foot facility, creating a Lawton destination that blends recreation, relaxation, and lasting community value.

A Place for Everyone

The Aquatic Center’s design considers every age, from toddlers to lap swimmers. Visitors can float along the lazy river, zip down the slides or jump from the diving boards in the main swimming area, or train in the dedicated lap pool.  Younger children can splash safely in the toddler pool and zero-entry area, while families can refuel at the concession stand, which includes a year-round serving window. With plenty of changing rooms, showers, and family restrooms, the center makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a full day of fun.

Behind the amenities, Guernsey’s design team focused on accessibility, safety, and community comfort. Clear sightlines help parents keep an eye on kids, durable materials ensure the facility can withstand Oklahoma summers, and the integration with Elmer Thomas Park creates a natural flow that ties the center into the larger recreational landscape.

More Than a Pool — A Vision

This project reflects a larger commitment from the City of Lawton to create spaces that bring people together and strengthen the region. Mayor Stan Booker emphasized the importance of community support, saying:

“I’m appreciative of the citizens voting to take this city to the future. I’m appreciative of the citizens that have our kids in mind.”

City Manager John Ratliff highlighted the collaboration behind the effort:

“There is an old expression, and this is teamwork makes the dreamwork. It took our employees, it took Guernsey, it took everyone — and it truly is a team effort.”

Designing With Heart

Guernsey Senior Architect and Project Manager J.D. Clark, AIA, led the project with a team spanning architecture, engineering, and planning expertise under one roof. For him, this project carried special meaning:

“This has been one of my favorite projects I’ve ever done. We are so happy to be part of it. This is just the beginning for this park, with many more exciting projects to come.”

Guernsey’s role went beyond delivering drawings. Our team collaborated with the city to translate a community-driven vision into a place where families could feel at home. From interior finishes to civil engineering, the design reflects a commitment to durability and to serving the people of Lawton.

Looking Ahead

The Aquatic Center isn’t just about water features — it’s about creating a space where the Lawton community can connect, play, and grow. Guernsey is proud to have partnered with Lawton to design a place that will bring joy, energy, and connection for decades, while advancing Mayor Booker’s commitment to keeping Kids First as the heart of the city’s future.