City of Bluffton – Wells Community Aquatic Park

In Bluffton, a public swimming pool is more than just a pool. Built on blighted land on the underserved south side of the city, the Wells Community Aquatic Park creates a regional attraction and gives residents from all areas of town a place to beat the heat. The $8.5 million project broke ground in 2025. When it opened this Memorial Day Weekend, the pool featured a heated eight-lane competition pool, a lazy river, water slides and aquatic climbing features. Younger kids can enjoy a toddler splash area and a zero-depth, ADA-accessible entry beach. The project also has a year-round community pavilion and additional pickleball courts. Reflecting the true community nature of the aquatic endeavor, funding came from the City of Bluffton, Wells County, and Harrison and Lancaster Townships. A significant portion was paid for by private donations and READI grant funding.