The aquatic center offers many new features to the Topeka area. The entire family, no matter what the age, will enjoy the aquatic center located in the Shawnee North Community Park.

The larger pool contains 1- and 3-meter diving boards, plunge slide, 25-meter lanes, a variety of floatables, basketball goal and play structures.

The youth pool includes a spray area and slides. Take a trip on the 400-foot lazy river. Float on a tube through the river and under the waterfalls. Also with the lazy river, patrons will enjoy the family slide and the 150 foot open flume slide.

There are shade structures in and near the water. When you are hungry, there’s a concession area available from inside and outside the pool area, with a shaded eating area. The Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center has lockers, family changing areas and plenty of parking. Visitors have access to the entire Shawnee North Center Park, which includes a playground, tennis courts, nature trail, shelter house, the North Community Center, and lots of green space for picnicking.

In addition, the family aquatic center hosts the Shawnee County Dolphins, swim lessons, and water exercise classes.

1. Shawnee North Community Center
   
2. Commission OKs Fee For Aquatic Center
   
3. Offices to Close on Labor Day
   
4. Pool at Shawnee North Won't Be Ready this Year
5. Open Season at the Pool
   

Shawnee North Community Center History

From Poor Farm to County Infirmary to Community Center in over 80 years, the building which now houses the Shawnee North Community Center has a history.

The origin of the building dates back to August 1918 when Shawnee County voters approved a $50,000 bond issue to build a county home and hospital on 119 acres on Indian Creek.  Construction was completed in 1920. 
When residents of the Poor Farm moved into the completed building, they enjoyed examples of modern conveniences that few of the surrounding farms enjoyed such as electric light plant, water and sewage system, steam heat, a modern kitchen and dining room and an all-stone and concrete construction. The Poor Farm was closed in 1941.  In 1942, the County Poor farm became the County Infirmary, essentially becoming a nursing home for the aged indigent.  Many poor farms statewide were converted into small care institutions and then they were phased out in favor of direct nursing home placement.  The Shawnee County Infirmary was staffed with LPN’s and nurses until it finally closed in 1974.  In 1975, the building was converted into a community center.  Presently, the Shawnee North Community Center is host to many classes and special events.  The community center currently houses a center director, 3 recreation programmers, 2 recreation leaders, 3 preschool teachers and our athletics office.

Amenities

• Full Kitchen
• Weight Room
• 3 Soccer Fields
• 4 Softball Diamonds
• Family Aquatic Center
• 2 Licensed Preschools
• 6 Classrooms
• Licensed Youth Day Camp
• Shelter House
• Play Ground
• Nature Trail
• Tennis Courts