Mayfield Heights residents are diving into fun at the city’s $34 million Aquatic and Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility that’s quickly becoming a beloved gathering place. Officially opening two summers ago, the aquatic center offers thrilling water attractions, resort-style amenities and a welcoming space for visitors of all ages.
The complex is part of a larger recreational investment, including a new community center and an inclusive playground. The city prioritized the pool’s construction, opening it for six weeks between late July and September 2023. The new facility replaces the original Dragga Pool, built in 1958, which had served generations of residents before reaching the end of its lifespan.
“Residents have told us they feel like they’re on vacation, and that’s a great comment to get,” says Sean Ward, director of parks and recreation for Mayfield Heights.
At the heart of the aquatic center is its 34-foot-tall slide tower, featuring three exciting slides. Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the enclosed green spiral slide, while the gray drop slide sends riders plunging into the pool’s deep end with a rush of speed. The most iconic attraction is the blue and white four-lane racing slide, a nod to the legendary giant slide that once stood along I-271.
“Anyone 55 and older would remember the huge slide in Mayfield,” says Ward. “This is our version.”
The pool features two diving boards: a traditional 1-meter dive and a 3-meter high dive. To enhance safety, a new stair system equipped with a railing and plexiglass allows hesitant divers to walk back down safely if they change their minds about taking the plunge.
The zero-entry leisure pool provides younger visitors with a safe and engaging experience with interactive spray toys, fountains and a family slide. A circular water vortex and a mini lazy river create endless fun as kids swirl through the gentle currents.
Before breaking ground on the project, the city surveyed residents to ensure the facility met their needs. One of the top requests? Plenty of shaded areas. In response, the final design provides lots of shady spots over the water, pool deck and playground.
“We have some beautiful pools in our surrounding communities,” Ward says. “If we were going to do a new pool, we wanted to do it right, and we wanted to differentiate ourselves as well.”
The aquatic center is just one piece of a larger vision for the city’s recreational offerings. The new community center opened in October 2023 and has quickly become a hub of activity. It hosts senior luncheons, sports programs, special events and private rentals. The facility also features a gymnasium, a dedicated 55-plus weight room and a history wall honoring influential figures in Mayfield Heights’ parks and recreation programs.
“When we tore the baseball fields out, we wanted to make sure we paid homage to the people who contributed to parks and recreation,” says Mayor Anthony DiCicco. “So, the history wall has pictures and names of those people on it.”
With its innovative features and commitment to community well-being, the Aquatic and Community Center offers residents more than just a place to stay cool in the summer. “We’re looking forward to being able to impact more people’s lives,” says Ward. “That’s our goal — to get Mayfield Heights healthier.”
