After closing in 2012 because of structural concerns, former Mayer Kasim Reed rebuilt a new $23.5…read moremillion, 64,000-square-foot Recreation and Aquatic Center in the Old 4th Ward towards the end of 2017. The new facility is sparkling and definitely worth visiting if you haven't seen it yet and becoming a member if you swim work out regularly. We paid about $250 for the family to join for the year and the bonus is that it gives the whole family access to all Atlanta public pools. The building is very open, bright (lots of natural light come in through the glass), and beautifully built. While ATL isn't the Northeast, winter is still somewhat more of a period of hibernation for a lot of people and the opening of this center provides a very nice public option for continuing to be active. It seems like they offer a wide variety of classes and activities for kids. While I can't speak to the basketball gym, workout facilities, and indoor running track on the second floor, the pool is great. It's helped our toddler develop an appreciation for the water and we haven't even tried their infant swim program yet. Some highlights of the pool are that the water is very warm, they have a beach front walk-in, a separate family changing room, a variety of aquatic toys for kids to enjoy, and a few fun sprinkler type poles in the pool. For parents looking to entertain their kids this could be a great drop-in option too at just $5 a visit I believe. My only complaints are 1) We've waited months to get our membership cards and the machine that prints them is always down or unavailable for some reason. This is obviously not such a big deal but 2) As this "undiscovered" gem is no longer so undiscovered, we've seen more and more swimmers come to the pool and it can be difficult to find a free lane to swim in now (especially around peak hours weeknights after work). This may just be what happens as you become a victim of your own success. The pool is huge but it's unfortunate that the way they built it the lanes cannot be expanded or added easily because the free swim section has a giant physical barrier from the lanes part.

Great pool! A bit crowded. I don't care for lane sharing; that's why the 4 stars. Clean locker…read moreroom. Workout equipment upstairs.