A Community Pavilion Designed by Romtec for Everyday Use
At the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, outdoor spaces are just as important as the pools themselves. Families, swim teams, and community groups visit the campus daily, often spending hours moving between programs, lessons, and recreational activities. As the City of Rockville planned major upgrades to the outdoor pool area, one need became clear: a permanent, shaded gathering space that could support people throughout the day.
To bring that vision to life, the Rockville partnered with Aquatic Design Group, LSG Landscape Architecture, and Romtec who carefully evaluated how a new park pavilion could serve visitors while fitting naturally into the active recreation campus. LSG collaborated with Romtec to design and supply a custom pavilion tailored specifically to the site. Construction was completed by Keller Brothers, resulting in a durable, welcoming structure that now anchors the outdoor amenities.
The project is located at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, in Rockville, Maryland. The Swim and Fitness Center are one of Rockville’s most active public recreation destinations, serving residents of all ages year-round. Prior to this project, the outdoor pool area lacked a dedicated shaded space where visitors could sit, wait, or gather between activities. The new pavilion fills that gap while preserving open sightlines and safe circulation throughout the campus.
Romtec Meeting Rockville’s Project Goals
From the start, the city and design team identified several priorities for the pavilion:
• Provide reliable shade and comfort for daily visitors
• Support swim meets, camps, group classes, and family use
• Maintain clear visibility for staff and lifeguards
• Complement existing buildings and landscape features
• Perform well in a wet, high-traffic pool environment
• Meet all local and state building requirements
Romtec worked closely with LSG Landscape Architecture to ensure the pavilion addressed each of these goals while remaining cost-effective and contractor friendly.
Pavilion Design & Construction
From the earliest design discussions, the goal was to create a pavilion that felt like a natural extension of the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, one that could stand up to daily use, constant moisture, and changing Maryland seasons. Romtec designed and supplied a complete, engineered pavilion building kit tailored specifically to the site, balancing long-term durability with a warm, inviting appearance.
The structure features glued-laminated timber beams that add both strength and character, paired with 6″ x 6″ steel columns that provide dependable support in a high-traffic public setting. A metal roof with a vented ridge helps circulate air and keep the space comfortable on hot summer days, while tongue-and-groove roof decking adds rigidity and a finished architectural look. Beneath it all, Romtec provided engineered foundation plans with concrete footing and slab requirements, along with full structural drawings to guide construction from start to finish.
Once the design was complete, Keller Brothers carefully coordinated installation around active pool operations. By working within the center’s busy schedule, they were able to construct the pavilion without disrupting daily programs, allowing families and visitors to continue enjoying the facility while the new gathering space took shape.
Building within an active pool environment required thoughtful planning and coordination. Pavilion placement was carefully selected to enhance guest flow, preserve safety, and avoid interference with nearby pools, walkways, and play areas. Through close collaboration, the City of Rockville, Aquatic Design Group, LSG Landscape Architecture, Romtec, and Keller Brothers ensured the pavilion integrated seamlessly into the campus while meeting schedule and operational constraints.
Supporting New Outdoor Amenities
The pavilion was completed as part of a larger outdoor pool improvement project.
Nearby amenities include:
• Two 26-foot water slides (open and enclosed)
• Activity pool with in-water play structure
• Wellness pool with lap lanes
• Youth slide and splash features
• In-water basketball areas
• New concrete decking and site lighting
These features draw visitors in and the pavilion plays a critical supporting role by offering a shaded place to rest, regroup, and gather throughout the day. It has quickly become a natural meeting point for families and program participants.
A Lasting Community Asset
The new park pavilion at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center is more than a shaded structure, it is a functional gathering space that supports daily recreation and strengthens the overall experience of the campus. Designed for durability, safety, and comfort, the pavilion reflects Romtec’s commitment to creating custom park buildings that serve communities for decades.
By combining thoughtful design, engineered quality, and strong collaboration, this project delivers a reliable, low-maintenance pavilion that meets the needs of Rockville residents today and well into the future.