NOVA Aquatics opens second-floor expansion at Regency facility

NOVA of Virginia Aquatics recently unveiled its second-floor expansion at the NOVA Regency Aquatics Center, officially adding 29,000 square feet of space at the facility that includes seating on three sides for a total of 1,000 people.

NOVA and Henrico officials view the addition as a transformative one for the facility, which they expect will be able to attract regional and national aquatics competitions as a way to help the county build upon its strong sports tourism efforts. In its first year, the facility more than $2 million in sports tourism revenue for the region, according to NOVA officials.

The Regency facility –formerly home to a Macy's store – opened in 2021 as a partnership between NOVA and the county, which contributed $1.75 million during a five-year period for the $18-million facility and another $2.5 million in June 2024 to help make the expansion possible.

When NOVA first opened the Regency facility, the collaboration launched the second grade LEARN2SWIM program — initially serving 500 Title I students. Today, the program has expanded to reach 1,800 Henrico second-graders each year, teaching water safety and swimming skills.

The center also provides a home pool for all nine Henrico high school swim teams, giving students access to a high-level training and competition center.

Construction on the new second floor began in January. In addition to the new seating, the expansion also includes an expanded Virginia Swim Shop and a 180-person community room that will host workshops, nonprofit events, and educational programs.

“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 NOVA CEO Leigh Peterson. “For nearly four decades, our leadership, families, and community partners have believed in our mission and worked tirelessly to expand access to swimming for all. Learning to swim is more than a skill — it can save lives, build confidence, and inspire dreams.”

Peterson called the grand opening both a celebration and the beginning of “our next chapter,” one that continues to elevate “dreams, discipline, and excellence” in both sport and community.

The center hosted 28 events last year and will add five new ones this year—including the Mid-Atlantic Age Group Championship Showdown, which took place Nov. 8-9 and drew top programs from throughout the East Coast, including teams from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area.

“NOVA’s continued growth is a powerful example of what happens when community vision meets commitment,” Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody Rogish said. “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.”

Founded in 1987, NOVA is considered one of the nation’s leading competitive swim programs, known for its emphasis on character, confidence, and community. The organization serves thousands of athletes each year through training, education, and outreach programs.

For details about NOVA programs, partnerships, and upcoming events, visit www.novaswim.org.