The George B. Fitch Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility, commonly acronymized as The WARF, is a town-owned recreation center and accompanying park in Warrenton, Virginia.[1] The Town of Warrenton Parks and Recreation Department is situated within the facility.[2]
| George B. Fitch Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Alternative names |
|
| General information | |
| Location | Warrenton, Virginia, US |
| Construction started | October 1, 2006 |
| Construction stopped | July 7, 2007 |
| Cost | 22 million USD |
| Owner | Town of Warrenton |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Floor area | 59,738 square feet (5,549.8 m2) |
| Grounds | 64 acres (26 hectares) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) |
|
| Structural engineer | Elliot, Leboeuf, & Associates |
| Services engineer | B2E Consulting |
| Civil engineer | Rickmond Engineering Inc. |
| Main contractor | Forrester Construction Co. |
| Awards and prizes |
|
The facility offers a variety of memberships and day passes to individuals based on their residency.[3][4] The WARF also hosts various fitness classes and special events for holidays and reservations.[3][4]
History
editThe WARF opened in September, 2007 after 18 months of construction.[5][6][1][3][4]
The WARF temporarily closed to the public in March, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] The closure followed orders from the Virginia Governor and the U.S. President regarding the pandemic. The WARF reopened in July, 2020.[8]
A graduate student from George Mason University surveyed WARF members in 2021 to determine their desire to return to the WARF after the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a required independent study course.[9]
Design and Facilities
editThe building's design was inspired by historical farming of the Virginia Piedmont region, on which the WARF is situated.[10] Because of this, the building has a vestibule inspired by a grain silo, a broad gable roof inspire by farmhouses, and a warm interior pallet largely consisting of exposed wood.[6][5][10]
The recreation center consists of three floors: a lower floor, a main floor, and two penthouses.[5] The main floor consists largely of a reception area, spectator seating, a cylindrical vestibule, fitness rooms, and office space.[5][1] The lower floor contains a 364,000 gallon competition pool, a 68,000 gallon leisure pool, a 3,600 gallon hot tub, and a water slide.[5][11]
The building was built on a large piece of land, with various rectangular playing fields situated around it.[6][11] Additionally, there are a variety of paved walking paths, a year-round outdoor ice skating rink, a playground, and a skateboard park on the grounds.[3][4]
Awards
editThe facility and its contractors have won two awards.[12][6] The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Metro Washington awarded Forrester Construction Company with a 2008 Excellence in Construction Award for the WARF.[13] The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) Northern Virginia awarded Forrester Construction Company a 2008 Award of Merit for the WARF, as well.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Warrenton Aquatic & Recreation Facility (WARF)". www.virginia.org. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ "Parks & Recreation | Warrenton, VA". www.warrentonva.gov. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
- ^ a b c d Pais, Michelle (2024-02-05). "Fit in Fauquier: Stay warm and active this winter with these local options". FauquierNow. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b c d Hagarty, John (2018-08-19). "The Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility's gift of wellness". Fauquier Times. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b c d e DiPiazza, Derek (2006-12-14). "Construction Management Warrenton Aquatics And Recreation Facility Warrenton, Virginia". www.engr.psu.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b c d "Warrenton Aquatic + Recreation Ctr". grimmandparker.com. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ Earl, Robin (2020-03-13). "Town of Warrenton closes the WARF and Visitor Center". Fauquier Times. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ "WARF competition pool and fitness room open for members only July 15". Fauquier Times. 2020-07-07. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ Persky, Anna Stolley. "Mason student helps Town of Warrenton manage return to recreation". George Mason University. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b "Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility". Athletic Business. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b "Downey & Scott, LLC - Warrenton Aquatic & Recreation Facility - Virginia | Construction Management | Cost Estimating | Downey & Scott". www.downeyscott.com. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b "Warrenton Aquatic & Recreation Facility". Forrester Construction. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ Bland, Jessica (2008-09-23). "Forrester Wins Six 2008 ABC Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards". Forrester Construction. Retrieved 2024-04-29.