June 11, 2026
Harrison Foundation to Deliver the Caribbean’s Only Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool
Our founder Sir David Harrison visited the Potters Playing Fields development in Antigua this month to review progress on the project as construction continues across multiple areas of the site.
The visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the significant progress that has been made since work began on creating what will become a major community sports and recreation facility for the people of Potters and the wider Antigua and Barbuda community, funded by a significant donation from the Harrison Foundation.
A number of important construction milestones have been reached in recent weeks. Work on the hardcourt spectator stands has advanced considerably, with foundations and ground beams completed on the first two stands and floor slabs now being poured. Construction of the stand walls is also underway, marking a visible step forward in the development of the site.
Progress is also being made on the infrastructure that will support the facility. Construction has begun on the Power Distribution Room, which will serve as the central hub for distributing power throughout the development. Foundations, floor slabs and supporting infrastructure for the transformer and generator systems have already been completed. Preparation work has also been completed for the hardcourt lighting system. Bases for the lighting columns are ready for concrete installation, with the lighting package scheduled to be installed as the project progresses.
The main cricket and football field has now been levelled, creating the foundation for the next phase of development. Materials have been secured for the construction of the playing surface, including 4,000 tonnes of sand, Bermuda grass and specialist clay identified by Cricket West Indies as suitable for wicket construction.
The wider sports complex is being developed to international standards and will include cricket and football facilities with floodlighting, volleyball, basketball and netball courts, spectator stands and changing facilities. A dedicated baseball diamond is also planned, with design and development being undertaken in partnership with Little League Baseball and Baseball Softball League Antigua. Construction of the baseball facilities is expected to begin later this year.
A major addition to the project is the development of a public swimming facility, an initiative inspired by Harrison Foundation trustees who were concerned that many young people in Antigua do not have access to swimming lessons or facilities. During Sir David’s visit, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne attended the site and agreed to make additional government land available, enabling the swimming pool to be expanded to full Olympic dimensions.
The pool will measure 50 metres by 25 metres, making it the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the Caribbean. The facility will also include a dedicated learners’ pool, spectator seating and separate changing facilities, creating opportunities for swimming education, community use and competitive events. Located alongside The Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, neighbouring schools and the village of Potters, the swimming complex is expected to become a landmark community asset for Antigua and Barbuda.
The Potters Playing Fields project remains focused on creating a high-quality, multi-purpose community facility that will support sport, recreation and community activity for many years to come.
Sir David’s visit highlighted the progress that has been achieved through the collaboration of the Potters Development Fund, project partners, contractors and supporters. As construction progresses throughout 2026, Potters Playing Fields continues to move closer to becoming a landmark community asset for Antigua and Barbuda.