7 Shocking Facts About The Pine Bluff Aquatic Center: Features, Hours, And Community Impact In 2025
The Pine Bluff Aquatic Center has solidified its status as a cornerstone of community health and recreation in Southeast Arkansas, representing a monumental $12 million investment in the city's future. As of December 23, 2025, this state-of-the-art facility is fully operational, offering a year-round, climate-controlled destination for competitive swimming, family fun, and therapeutic water activities.
Opened to great fanfare, the center is not just a pool; it is the culmination of a decades-long community dream, finally providing Pine Bluff with its first public aquatic facility in over 40 years. Its success is a direct result of the "penny for progress" and "Go Forward Pine Bluff" initiatives, proving that strategic public funding can transform a city's landscape and quality of life.
Pine Bluff Aquatic Center: Essential Visitor Information and Biography
The Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, officially named the Carl A. Redus Jr. Aquatic Center after a former mayor who championed the project, is a massive, modern facility designed for all ages and skill levels. It serves as a hub for fitness, competitive sports, and family entertainment, operating throughout the year thanks to its indoor, climate-controlled environment.
- Official Name: Carl A. Redus Jr. Aquatic Center
- Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- Project Cost: Approximately $12 million
- Size: 36,000 square feet
- Funding Sources: $8 million from the "penny for progress" tax and $4 million from the Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB) sales tax and philanthropic donations.
- Opening Date: Saturday, June 29 (The facility is fully operational and has been for several years, confirming its long-term success).
- Primary Function: A year-round, public aquatic facility for competition, recreation, and therapy.
Current Operating Hours (As of Late 2025)
The center maintains a robust schedule to accommodate early morning lap swimmers, daytime fitness classes, and weekend family visits. Always check the official City of Pine Bluff website for holiday hours or schedule changes.
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission and Pricing
Access to the facility remains highly affordable, fulfilling its mission as a public resource for the entire community.
- General Admission: $5.00 per person
- Children Under 3: FREE
- Membership Options: Various monthly and annual membership packages are available for frequent users, offering the best value for water fitness and lap swimming enthusiasts.
Unveiling the State-of-the-Art Features and Amenities
The $12 million Pine Bluff Aquatic Center was meticulously designed to offer a multi-faceted aquatic experience, catering to everyone from serious athletes to toddlers taking their first splash. The 36,000-square-foot indoor complex is divided into distinct zones, ensuring a perfect balance of competition, leisure, and wellness.
The Competition Pool: A Serious Training Ground
At the heart of the facility is the dedicated competition pool. This eight-lane pool meets regulation standards, making it ideal for hosting local, regional, and state-level swim meets. It provides a much-needed venue for high school swim teams and the local swim club, fostering the next generation of Arkansas swimmers.
Key features of the competition area include:
- Eight-lane design for training and events.
- A dedicated diving board area for practice and recreational use.
- Seating for spectators during meets and events.
The Leisure Pool: Family Fun and Recreation
The leisure pool is the recreational engine of the center, a vibrant water playground designed for maximum family enjoyment. This area is the primary draw for weekend visitors and summer camps, offering a safe and exciting environment for kids of all ages.
The family-friendly amenities are extensive and include:
- A thrilling two-story water slide for older children and adults.
- An interactive water playground area with a water cannon.
- Designated areas for water volleyball and water basketball.
- A children's wading pool for the youngest visitors.
Wellness and Community Spaces
Beyond the main pools, the center is a comprehensive wellness destination. It provides spaces for relaxation, rehabilitation, and social gatherings, making it a true community hub.
- Therapy Pool/Jacuzzi: A dedicated, warmer pool for relaxation, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation, catering to seniors and individuals recovering from injuries.
- Party Rooms: Private rooms available for rent, perfect for hosting birthday parties, team celebrations, and special events. This revenue stream supports the center's ongoing operation.
- Locker Rooms: Clean, modern, and spacious locker and shower facilities.
The Profound Community Impact and Future of Pine Bluff Aquatics
The success of the aquatic center is measured not just in dollars, but in the tangible benefits it brings to the Pine Bluff community. Its establishment addressed a critical need for public recreational facilities and has become a powerful symbol of the city's revitalization efforts.
Fostering Water Safety and Education
One of the most vital roles of the center is promoting water safety. The facility offers extensive programming designed to teach crucial life skills, a mission that received national recognition.
- Learn to Swim Programs: The center runs continuous swimming lessons for all ages, from infants to adults.
- National Recognition: In 2024, the Pine Bluff Aquatics program was a recipient of a significant grant from the USA Swimming Foundation's "Learn to Swim" initiative, highlighting its commitment to drowning prevention and aquatic education.
- Group Swim Classes: High-energy classes help participants build confidence and proficiency in the water.
A Hub for Health and Fitness
The center’s diverse programming ensures that it is a year-round resource for physical health and wellness.
- Water Aerobics: Popular water fitness sessions and water aerobics classes are offered, providing a low-impact, high-benefit workout ideal for all fitness levels.
- Therapeutic Use: The therapy pool is a major asset for physical therapists and rehabilitation patients in the local area.
- Community Connection: By hosting a swim club and regular public events, the center helps residents stay active, make new friends, and strengthen community bonds.
The Economic and Civic Catalyst
The $12 million investment was a key component of the "Go Forward Pine Bluff" campaign, which aimed to revitalize the city through strategic projects. The center's consistent operation demonstrates a successful return on that public investment.
- Civic Pride: The center stands as a beacon of civic pride, demonstrating the city's ability to execute major infrastructure projects.
- Economic Driver: By attracting regional swim meets and tournaments, the facility brings visitors to Pine Bluff, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
- Long-Term Vision: The center, alongside other projects like the 601 Main Street Plaza and the Arts & Science Center Art Space, is a testament to Pine Bluff’s long-term vision for a vibrant, modern city.
The Pine Bluff Aquatic Center is more than a recreational facility; it is a successful model of how public funding and community vision can create a lasting legacy of health, safety, and fun for generations to come. Its continued operation and community-focused programs solidify its place as Southeast Arkansas's premier aquatic destination.
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