The Three Aquatic Hubs Of GWU: Why The George Washington University Swimming Pool Was Saved And Its Future For 2025
The George Washington University swimming pool is not a single facility, but a dynamic network of three distinct aquatic hubs that serve everyone from champion athletes to recreational lap swimmers, and as of late 2023/early 2024, it was the center of a major campus controversy. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the most significant and recent news is the dramatic reversal of a university decision that had threatened the competitive aquatics program, securing the future of the primary pool facility for the foreseeable future. This successful effort to save the pool highlights the deep importance of these aquatic spaces to the GW community and its highly successful athletic teams.
This comprehensive guide dives into the current status, features, and access details for all three George Washington University swimming pool locations, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information on where to swim, train, and relax across the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Dramatic Reversal: Charles E. Smith Center Pool Saved
The biggest story in George Washington University aquatics revolves around the main competitive facility: the pool housed within the Charles E. Smith Center.
In a move that shocked the university's aquatic community, the administration had filed plans in late 2023 to decommission the Smith Center Pool. The plan was to fill the pool and repurpose the space to create a double basketball practice facility, a decision that would have effectively displaced the successful GW Revolutionaries swimming and diving teams.
The Community Fight for the Pool
The proposal sparked immediate and passionate backlash from students, alumni, and the aquatic sports community. Swimmers, led by student-athletes, mounted an effort to save the facility, arguing that despite the team’s consistent achievements—including the men's program chasing a fifth-straight A-10 title—the athletic department was planning to eliminate their home without a suitable alternative.
In a significant turn of events, the efforts were successful. The university reversed its decision, and the GW Revolutionaries aquatic sports teams are now set to return to their home at the Smith Center pool for the foreseeable future. This facility remains the premier venue for competitive swimming and diving at GWU.
Charles E. Smith Center Pool Profile
- Primary Use: Competitive Swimming and Diving, Team Training, Home Meets.
- Location: Charles E. Smith Center, Foggy Bottom Campus.
- Status: Operational and secured as the long-term home for GW's competitive aquatics program.
- Teams: Home of the George Washington Revolutionaries Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams.
The Recreational Hubs: Lerner and Mount Vernon Aquatic Facilities
While the Smith Center Pool is dedicated to high-level competition, the George Washington University community relies on two other key facilities for fitness, recreation, and community access.
1. The Lerner Health and Wellness Center (LHWC) Pool
Located in the heart of the Foggy Bottom campus, the Lerner Health and Wellness Center is the main recreational facility for students, faculty, and staff.
The LHWC pool is designed for general fitness and lap swimming, serving as a vital resource for the daily health and wellness of the university population. The facility recently underwent significant renovations, including updates to its HVAC system, ensuring a high-quality and comfortable environment for swimmers.
LHWC Pool Features and Access
- Type: Indoor Lap Pool.
- Size: A three-lane lap pool, suitable for general fitness and recreational swimming.
- Location: Lower levels of the 189,000-square-foot Lerner Health and Wellness Center (23rd & G Streets).
- Access: Free for all full-time GW students. Memberships are available for purchase for faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
- Programs: Used for informal recreational use and may host Lifestyle, Sport and Physical Activity (LSPA) courses, such as introductory swimming classes.
2. The Mount Vernon Campus Pool
For those looking for an outdoor swimming experience, particularly during the warmer months, the Mount Vernon Campus Pool is the destination. Located at the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex, this facility is a key feature of the university’s second campus.
The Mount Vernon Pool serves as a significant community resource, and the university actively promotes its summer membership program for the upcoming 2025 season.
Mount Vernon Pool Features and Community Access
- Type: Outdoor Pool.
- Size: A six-lane swimming pool.
- Location: Mount Vernon Athletic Complex, Mount Vernon Campus.
- Summer 2025 Season: The pool is actively accepting memberships for the Summer 2025 season, welcoming not just GW affiliates but also the surrounding community for lap swimming, cooling off, and relaxation.
- Accessibility: Full-time GW students taking classes on the Mount Vernon Campus also have free access.
The Future of GWU Aquatics and Topical Authority
The George Washington University's commitment to its aquatic programs is stronger than ever, solidified by the recent decision to maintain the Charles E. Smith Center Pool. This network of three distinct pools ensures that every segment of the university community—from elite athletes to casual swimmers—has a dedicated space.
The GW Revolutionaries: A Dynasty Continues
The Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving programs, the GW Revolutionaries, are a source of immense pride, having achieved consistent success in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference. The teams are not just competing but dominating, with the men's team specifically targeting its fifth-straight dual A-10 title in the 2025-2026 season.
Campus Recreation and Wellness
The Campus Recreation department leverages the Lerner and Mount Vernon pools to provide extensive programming. Beyond simple drop-in recreation, the pools are integral to the university’s overall wellness initiatives.
- Swim Instruction: The Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences offers Lifestyle, Sport and Physical Activity (LSPA) courses, which include swimming classes for students looking to learn or improve their technique.
- Facility Maintenance: The commitment to regular maintenance and renovation, as seen with the recent HVAC updates at the Lerner Center, demonstrates a dedication to providing modern, safe, and functional facilities for all users.
The George Washington University swimming pool facilities are more than just places to swim; they are centers of community, athletic excellence, and personal wellness. The preservation of the Smith Center Pool ensures the institution's competitive legacy will continue to thrive, while the recreational pools at the Lerner Center and Mount Vernon Campus provide essential resources for student life and community engagement through the 2025 season and beyond.
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