Originally published in Colorado Construction and Design Magazine.

By the end of 2027, five Colorado communities will celebrate increased access to pools and natatoriums: Pueblo West, Fort Morgan, Yuma, Sundance Hills in Greenwood Village, and Denver’s Westwood neighborhood. For each of these communities, Essenza Architecture is designing aquatic facilities with optimized performance, a safe environment, and a welcoming aesthetic.

The highly anticipated Pueblo West Community Pool is becoming a reality. Essenza Architecture has been working with the Pueblo West Metro District since 2021 to determine the proper site and design a natatorium based on a PEMB, while funding has come together. Currently in design, the facility will provide recreational opportunities for patrons of all ages, from infants and young athletes to seniors. A ‘modern ranch’ design is inspired by the site’s ranching history and Pueblo West founder, Robert P. McCulloch. Durable materials that mimic wood will set the tone while other elements reinforce the aesthetic. A multipurpose pool with 6 competition lanes, an accessibility ramp, a 1-meter diving board, movable bleacher seating, and other activity amenities are part of the proposed design. The Center will be connected to nearby trails and serve as a community hub. Partners include Counsilman Hunsaker, The Ballard Group, and AE Design Group.

In November 2025, Fort Morgan residents approved a ballot measure to fund a 1% tax increase for the Fort Morgan Aquatic Center, an addition to the existing fieldhouse, originally designed by Essenza Architecture. The aquatic center will feature recreation and lap pools, a lazy river, warm and hot spas, and water slides. The design includes expansive, retractable glazing to fill the natatorium with natural daylight and provides clear sightlines for both patrons and lifeguard staff. Currently in design development, project partners include: Counsilman Hunsaker, The Ballard Group, AE Design Group, Gebau Engineering, Dibble Engineering, and Norris Design. GH Phipps is the general contractor.

Located on the northern plains, Yuma is an important community in Colorado’s agricultural industry. In the summer of 2027, the 3,500 residents will be splashing in the new Yuma Community Pool located at the current pool site. Essenza Architecture conducted community outreach before a temporary 0.75-percent sales tax bond was put to voters in November 2025. The pool, being built by Centerre Construction, will feature a zero-depth-entry pool, play structures, and a toddler wading pool with a beach entry and interactive geysers. A lap pool, drop slide, and deep-water areas with diving boards, and Aqua-Climb features complete the community space. A new energy-efficient equipment building will house modern, all-electric systems. Project partners include Colorado Pool Designs, The Ballard Group, AE Design Group, Gebau Engineering, and MPD Engineering.

Essenza Architecture is working with Architect of Record, Anderson Mason Dale, as the recreation design specialist for Denver's newest recreation and aquatic center – Westwood Recreation Center. The 38,000-square-foot, $45M facility will emphasize ‘rhythm as movement’ to tell the neighborhood's story. Typically, a neighborhood recreation center is smaller and doesn’t have pools and water features. But, as reported by Denver Parks and Recreation, the community advocacy by Westwood resident Norma Brambila and others was “hard to ignore”, and now this traditionally underserved neighborhood will have access to a full-scale recreation center.

“It was a higher level and more extensive community outreach process than we do in a lot of projects,” said Parks Spokesperson, Jesus Orrantia. FCI Constructors is building a facility, which will open in the summer of 2027 at Morrison Road and West Walsh Place. The 2017 Elevate Denver Bond funds the project.

Sundance Hills Metropolitan District has entered Phase 2 of a master plan renovation led by Essenza Architecture to revitalize the community’s Swim and Tennis Facility. Currently in programming and schematic design, Phase 2 includes tennis court renovations, a new multipurpose sport court, a new pool deck, and AV upgrades. Additional work includes updates to the playground and volleyball court, as well as landscaping and irrigation improvements. The work will be completed in the Spring of 2027.

Essenza Architecture specializes in the design of aquatic and recreation facilities that expand access to swimming and create lasting value for the communities they serve. Across projects, one theme is consistent: swimming continues to rank among the most requested amenities in community outreach, supporting everything from water safety and swimming education to recreation and lifelong wellness. Drowning-prevention and swim-safety classes are essential to public safety and consistently fill up.

This work is grounded in both technical expertise and personal experience. Founder and Principal Christa Plaza began her career as a head lifeguard at Arizona State University’s Mona Plummer Aquatic Center, an experience that continues to shape the firm’s focus on safety, functionality, and the real-world performance of every facility. Today, Essenza applies that perspective to design environments that are not only inviting but operationally sound and built for long-term community use.

“Contributing to communities through architecture that results in community recreational opportunities is the best of both worlds,” states Christa Plaza, AIA. “Pools are an important element of community culture, and our team enjoys being part of creating the experience and final product. Designing aquatic facilities is an opportunity to create lasting value for communities through spaces that support safety, wellness, and daily use,” states Christa Plaza, AIA. “Pools are a critical part of a community’s culture, and our team enjoys designing these cherished facilities.”

At Essenza, we believe budget-conscious design doesn’t mean compromising on vision. By applying smart strategies — from clear programming to flexible space planning — we help clients bring impactful civic spaces to life, on time and on budget.

Ready to bring cost-smart civic design to your community? Contact us to explore how Essenza can help deliver your next signature project — beautifully and responsibly.