Charles County Plans For Indoor Natatorium At La Plata High School

LA PLATA, Md. — At its Dec. 10, 2024, regular session, the Charles County Board of County Commissioners approved a request for a letter of support advocating for the inclusion of a natatorium in the planned renovations of La Plata High School. The facility would replace the school’s outdoor pool, which is currently only available for public use during the summer months.

The commissioners endorsed an expansion of the school’s space allocation plan by 3,000 square feet to accommodate the natatorium, aligning with cooperative agreements under the School Construction Program. The project is a joint effort between Charles County Public Schools and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, which would manage the new facility to provide year-round aquatic programs for the community.

A key feature of the proposed natatorium is its potential standalone design, allowing public access to the pool during school hours without disrupting school operations—a challenge that has arisen with previous school-based pools.

Deputy Director of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sam Drury emphasized the benefits of transitioning from outdoor to indoor pools, highlighting improved accessibility and operational efficiency. Deborah Hall, CPA, reinforced this shift in strategy, stating that standalone aquatic centers, rather than pools inside schools, would provide greater public access while minimizing conflicts with school operations.

Commissioners expressed support for the project. Commissioner Thomasina Coates inquired about the possibility of using this approach as a model for other school renovations, particularly at McDonough and Stone High Schools, which also have outdoor pools. Commissioner Gilbert Bowling III emphasized the importance of collaborating with swim teams and other stakeholders to ensure the design meets competition standards.

Mike Heim, representing Charles County Public Schools, confirmed that planning is still in the early stages, with architects and pool specialists involved in discussions. The natatorium would be a significant upgrade, expanding La Plata High School’s footprint while enhancing community-based aquatic programming.

The commissioners’ letter of support, signed by President Reuben B. Collins II and all board members, was sent to the Interagency Committee on School Construction to advocate for the additional space. With this approval, Charles County moves closer to a long-term solution for increasing public access to aquatic facilities.

The La Plata High School Schematic Design Review Presentation was held at the BOCC’s Nov. 12, 2024, meeting.