The Northwest ISD community gathered Oct. 9 to break ground on the school district's first aquatics center.

The facility was one of the projects included in NISD’s 2017 bond program. Its construction will allow the district to grow its swimming and diving program and offer community uses.

The center will be located at the intersection of Texan Drive and Ag Barn Drive Loop, across from NISD’s administration center in Fort Worth, according to previous reporting by Community Impact Newspaper. Back in June, the school board approved a bid of about $36.55 million for its construction.

“NISD is one of the few districts in the area that does not have an aquatic facility,” according to NISD’s bond program website. “The district currently rents use of Keller ISD’s natatorium for swimming and diving, which limits practice time for students and requires them to travel out of district.” 

Once completed, the aquatics center will include a competition pool, a practice pool and a sports performance training center and rehabilitation facility, according to an Oct. 9 news release from the school district. 

“The latter facility is being staffed by Texas Health [Resources] through a partnership with Northwest ISD, which will allow district medical students to earn clinical rounds and show health professionals,” according to the news release.

Texas Health Resources is also putting about $3.43 million toward the project and will operate medical areas at the center. Students and community members will be able to make appointments and receive treatment and rehabilitation at the facility, according to previous reporting by Community Impact Newspaper

The facility is expected to open in late 2020 or early 2021.