More Than Just a Pool
Lake Oswego residents waited years for a new swimming pool—and in June, they got far more than they expected. On June 16, the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC) officially opened its doors at 17525 Stafford Road, next to Lakeridge High School.
While the highlight may be the two new swimming pools, the $45 million facility has quickly proven to be much more than a place to swim.
A Facility Built for All
The centerpiece of LORAC is its aquatic offerings:
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Competition Pool: A 12-lane, 25-yard pool kept at 81 degrees with eight-foot-wide lanes, splash-free gutters, and a movable bulkhead that allows multiple configurations. The pool is designed for lap swimming, meets, lessons, and even “deep-deep” water polo. It also includes seating for spectators, making it one of the few facilities in Oregon capable of hosting district-level competitions.
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Recreation Pool: A family-friendly, three-lane, 25-yard pool heated to 85–86 degrees, complete with play structures, an L-shaped splash area, two slides—including the “candy cane slide”—and an adjacent spa kept at 102 degrees.
Anthony Markey, the facility’s superintendent, says the competition pool is among the most unique in the state. “I don’t know if it’s Olympic quality, but it’s pretty darn close,” he noted, adding that the design makes it perfect for high school athletics as well as community recreation.
Fitness, Fun, and Flexibility
Beyond the pools, LORAC offers a 7,250-square-foot gym with six basketball hoops, space for volleyball, and multi-court layouts for pickleball. The gym also hosts camps, leagues, and even nontraditional activities like cornhole, Spikeball, and Gaga Ball.
The weights and cardio room, covering 7,500 square feet with sweeping views of the golf course, features treadmills, stair climbers, free weights, and weight machines. A 2,000-square-foot fitness studio supports classes, spin sessions, and outreach programs.
As Markey put it, “It’s kind of the full gamut of everything the community could possibly want.”
Designed with Accessibility and Sustainability in Mind
Community feedback shaped much of LORAC’s design, and planners placed a strong emphasis on accessibility and efficiency. The entire building is ADA compliant, with wheelchair-accessible workout equipment and easy entry points throughout. Energy-efficient systems, including timed lighting, were incorporated to reduce the environmental footprint.
Robin Krakauer, communications and sponsorship coordinator, said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “People have been really receptive. They’re using all parts of it, and everyone has their favorite area—it’s been fun to see.”
Partnership with Local Schools
Although the center is owned by the City of Lake Oswego, it was developed in partnership with the Lake Oswego School District (LOSD). High school swim teams now have a top-tier facility to call home.
“We have an intergovernmental agreement with the high schools, and they’re a big partner,” Markey explained. “It’s a big reason why the competition pool was built. They’re members of the community too, and it was important to make sure this space worked for them as well.”
Open to All
LORAC is not limited to Lake Oswego residents. The center offers a range of membership levels and drop-in options, welcoming visitors from across the region. Whether someone comes for a competitive swim meet, a family day at the rec pool, or a morning workout in the cardio room, the facility is designed to be inclusive and adaptable.
A State-of-the-Art Achievement
Since opening, the center has quickly become a hub of community life. “Business is booming and people are happy with the facility,” said Markey. While there have been a few expected “bumps and bruises” during the rollout, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
As Krakauer summed it up, “This isn’t just a pool—it’s a space where the community can come together.”
With its cutting-edge amenities, focus on accessibility, and strong ties to local schools, the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center is more than a long-awaited pool project. It’s a state-of-the-art, community-driven hub that residents will enjoy for decades to come.
