In 2025, the most notable projects in aquatics balanced the needs of spectators and athletes, resulting in groundbreaking designs that ensured memorable experiences for everyone.
Waters Edge Aquatic Design — Sofia’s Play Garden
- Facility Name: Sofia's Play Garden at Lauritzen Gardens
- City, State: Omaha, Neb.
- Cost of Project: $13 million (donor-funded)
- Type of Facility: Interactive children's garden, learning center, outdoor playground, and water play area
- Architectural Firm: Architectural Offices (AO)—based out of Omaha, Neb.
- Sub-consultant (aquatics/water feature): Waters Edge Aquatic Design—based out of Kansas City, Kan.
- Lead Architect Name: William Stott, AIA
- Status: Complete, opened to the public on May 26, 2025. The project originally broke ground in 2022.
- Square Footage: 1.3 acres (56,628 square feet)
Following the construction of the new Production Greenhouse Facility on the site of the existing Children's Garden, Lauritzen Gardens aimed to create a larger, more interactive garden experience for children. A site was chosen adjacent to the existing Visitor's Center, and the project broke ground in 2022.