C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center at 3201 M.L.K. Jr Drive SW features one of Atlanta’s rare 50-meter Olympic-size pools with movable bulkhead, complemented by a therapy pool, fitness facilities, basketball court, and extensive community programming. Operating Monday-Friday 8 AM-7 PM and Saturday 1-4 PM, this facility serves as both a competitive swimming venue with 8 lanes configured for various aquatic activities and a comprehensive recreation center hosting everything from senior Spiritual Bingo on Fridays to youth dance competitions. While the impressive facilities and dedicated program staff like Mr. Doug receive consistent praise, significant operational issues including unknowledgeable staff, poor communication between departments, and concerning reports about summer camp conditions detract from the center’s potential.
The natatorium’s 50-meter competition pool, historically used for Adult Swim network continuity shots, provides exceptional training opportunities with comfortable bleacher seating and proper depth progression from 5 to 9 feet. The adjacent 20-foot therapy pool maintains warmer temperatures for water aerobics, lessons, and rehabilitation, creating comprehensive aquatic options rare in Atlanta’s public facilities. However, severe staff knowledge gaps frustrate visitors: aquatics office often sits empty, upstairs staff admit knowing nothing about pool operations, and online hours prove unreliable, with swimmers arriving to find unexpected closures despite posted schedules.
C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center at 3201 M.L.K. Jr Drive SW features one of Atlanta’s rare 50-meter Olympic-size pools with movable bulkhead, complemented by a therapy pool, fitness facilities, basketball court, and extensive community programming. Operating Monday-Friday 8 AM-7 PM and Saturday 1-4 PM, this facility serves as both a competitive swimming venue with 8 lanes configured for various aquatic activities and a comprehensive recreation center hosting everything from senior Spiritual Bingo on Fridays to youth dance competitions. While the impressive facilities and dedicated program staff like Mr. Doug receive consistent praise, significant operational issues including unknowledgeable staff, poor communication between departments, and concerning reports about summer camp conditions detract from the center’s potential.
The natatorium’s 50-meter competition pool, historically used for Adult Swim network continuity shots, provides exceptional training opportunities with comfortable bleacher seating and proper depth progression from 5 to 9 feet. The adjacent 20-foot therapy pool maintains warmer temperatures for water aerobics, lessons, and rehabilitation, creating comprehensive aquatic options rare in Atlanta’s public facilities. However, severe staff knowledge gaps frustrate visitors: aquatics office often sits empty, upstairs staff admit knowing nothing about pool operations, and online hours prove unreliable, with swimmers arriving to find unexpected closures despite posted schedules.
The 8-lane, 50-meter heated pool features a movable bulkhead allowing division into 25-yard and 29.7-yard sections for simultaneous activities. Depth ranges from 5 to 9 feet accommodating various skill levels and training needs.
A 20-foot by 3-foot-deep therapy pool maintains warmer temperatures for water aerobics, swimming lessons, and physical rehabilitation programs. This specialized pool serves those needing gentler aquatic environments.
Classroom adjacent to aquatics office hosts training courses, party rentals, swim meet hospitality, and dryland training. Men’s and women’s locker rooms include showers and lockers with handicap accessibility, though many lockers reportedly don’t function properly.
Indoor court supports youth leagues, adult recreation, and community tournaments with well-maintained surfaces. The gymnasium also serves as event space for large gatherings and birthday parties.
Workout room with exercise equipment receives praise from regular users appreciating the uncrowded environment. Fitness classes including various aerobic options provide structured group exercise opportunities.
Large rooms accommodate community meetings, NPU gatherings, birthday parties, and special events with capacity for substantial groups. Kitchen facilities and setup assistance support various event types.
Game room and activity spaces support after-school programs, though summer camp reviews raise serious concerns. Dance studio hosts youth programs with competitions, fostering talent development in performing arts.
Friday sessions with Mr. Doug combine gospel singing with bingo, creating beloved community gatherings for seniors. This unique program receives exceptional praise for its atmosphere and leader’s rapport with elderly participants.
Various programs cater to older adults including fitness classes and social gatherings fostering community connections. The facility serves as an activity hub for seniors seeking engagement and wellness opportunities.
Vibrant after-school activities provide homework help, recreation, and enrichment for neighborhood children. Dance programs particularly thrive, with participants competing in annual cheer competitions.
Severely criticized camp program with reports of children being “held hostage,” denied bathroom access, and left without activities. These alarming allegations of inadequate supervision and poor treatment require immediate investigation.
Swimming lessons, swim team training, and aquatic education utilize both pools for skill development. Programs run year-round with lap swimming ending at 6 PM when team practices begin.
The center hosts early voting, job fairs, NPU meetings, and various civic functions serving broader community needs. Vietnam Veterans services and other specialized programs address specific population needs.
Annual memberships provide access to all City of Atlanta recreation centers and pools with various payment options. No cash accepted since 2015; only checks, money orders, and cards accepted for payment.
Multiple reviews describe unknowledgeable, uninterested, or actively rude staff creating frustrating visitor experiences. Reports of “sullen faces and attitude” and staff treating visitors “like you’re going to steal” indicate systemic customer service failures.
Departments don’t communicate, leaving visitors unable to get basic information about programs or schedules. Empty offices, incorrect online hours, and staff admitting ignorance about facility operations create unnecessary barriers.
Disturbing claims include aquatics director accused of “false imprisonment and assault of lifeguard trainee” requiring investigation. Reports of discriminatory treatment and inappropriate behavior by staff members suggest deeper organizational problems.
Despite operational challenges, the physical facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness, spaciousness, and functionality. The Olympic-size pool remains a rare community asset providing training opportunities unavailable elsewhere in Southwest Atlanta.
The center successfully serves as a multi-generational gathering space where families celebrate milestones, seniors find companionship, and youth develop skills. Strong community programs like Spiritual Bingo and dance teams create lasting positive impacts despite administrative shortcomings. The contrast between excellent facilities and poor management suggests significant untapped potential that better leadership and staff training could unlock to fully serve this deserving Southwest Atlanta community.
