TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - Work crews are putting up a temporary fence this week around the construction site of Tupelo's new aquatic center.

A groundbreaking was held Tuesday for the $11 million facility being built near the entrance to Veterans Park.

Officials say construction will take about 14 months with a grand opening of the nearly 44,000-square-foot facility tentatively planned for late 2013.

The sprawling complex will house one Olympic-size pool and one smaller pool for fitness or instruction classes. It also will have spectator seating, locker rooms, restrooms, offices, a multipurpose room, kitchen, lobby and an outdoor area for sunbathing.

Once the aquatic center is complete, the city will do-away-with the Rob Leake Swimming pool and replace it with a splash pad.

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