NOVA Aquatics proudly announces the grand opening of the second floor of the NOVA Regency Aquatics Center, a transformative milestone that cements Henrico County’s role as a regional leader in youth sports and community recreation.
When the facility first opened its doors in September 2021, NOVA’s partnership with Henrico County Public Schools launched the Second Grade LEARN2SWIM program, serving 500 Title I students in its first year. Today, that initiative has grown to reach 1,800 second graders annually, teaching lifesaving skills and fostering water safety across the county.
The aquatics center also provides a home for all nine Henrico County high school swim teams, giving students access to a high-quality training and competition venue. In its first year alone, the facility generated over $2 million in sports tourism revenue, demonstrating the economic power of community-centered athletics.
In June 2024, Henrico County leaders including County Manager John Vithoulkas, Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority Executive Director Dennis Bickmeier, and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody Rogish awarded NOVA a $2.5 million sports tourism grant to support the facility’s second-floor expansion. Construction began in January 2025, and today the project officially comes to life.
The 29,000-square-foot expansion features:
- Seating for 1,000 spectators wrapping around 3 sides of of the pool.
- An expanded Virginia Swim Shop serving over 100 summer league, high school, YMCA and year-round teams across Virginia.
- The addition of a 180-person capacity Community Room which provides an accessible gathering space for local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations—filling a critical need for mid-size meeting and event venues in the Richmond area. This space will host workshops, educational events, and cultural programs, fostering connection and civic engagement.
“The completion of NOVA’s second floor and the addition of 1,000 spectator seats mark a major milestone in our 38-year history,” said Leigh Peterson, CEO of NOVA of Virginia Aquatics. “For nearly four decades, our leadership, families, and community partners have believed in our mission, invested in our growth, and worked tirelessly to expand access to swimming for all. This grand opening represents the culmination of that shared vision. We’ve built a world-class venue that not only welcomes the nation’s best swimmers but also advances our mission to create opportunities for every child. Learning to swim is more than a skill; it can save lives, build confidence, and inspire dreams. While today marks a grand opening, it’s also the beginning of our next chapter; a future where NOVA continues to elevate dreams, discipline, and excellence, both in our sport and in our community.”
NOVA-Regency Aquatics Center’s growth has also positioned NOVA as a premier event host. With the addition of the second floor, NOVA increases its ability to host regional and national level events. Last year NOVA hosted 28 events. We will host five new competitive events this year attracting athletes and families from across the East Coast, bringing that number to 33 events, including the Mid-Atlantic Age Group Championship Showdown going on this weekend. The event brings swimmers and families from Top 10 programs from New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, highlighting the region’s appeal as a destination for high-level youth sports.
“NOVA’s continued growth is a powerful example of what happens when community vision meets commitment,” said Jody Rogish, Tuckahoe District Supervisor. “Henrico County’s partnership with NOVA, from the opening of the first phase to today’s expansion, has strengthened opportunities for our students, families, and athletes while driving sports tourism across the region. This new chapter ensures that young swimmers can dream big right here at home, in a world-class facility that belongs to and benefits our entire community.”
About NOVA Aquatics
Founded in 1987, NOVA of Virginia Aquatics Inc is one of the nation’s premier competitive swim programs, dedicated to excellence in training, education, and community engagement. Serving thousands of athletes annually, NOVA’s mission is to foster character, confidence, and community through the sport of swimming.
For more information about NOVA programs, partnerships, and upcoming events, visit www.novaswim.org.
