By Tim Matthes
In response to a query by the Beat regarding the status of plans for renovation of the WNMU pool, WNMU President Joe Shepard responded that two options are being pursued.
Shepard told the Beat that the university will be asking the Legislature for $1 million at the January 2012 session the cost of repair and to upgrade the pool and lockers to current safety standards and code. He added that the university has verified that the pool plumbing has been determined to be okay and that work is in progress to remove the old pool liner and diving boards. If funding is received from the state, Shepard said: "We will be swimming in late spring."
The university is also in the exploratory stages of looking at adding a 35,000 square-foot addition to the PE complex which would contain racquetball courts, free-weight and machine-weight facilities, a walking track, spinning room and "possibly" a four-lane pool for recreational swimming. The estimated cost of this project would be $12 million, which would require the issuance of bonds. Shepard said that, on its own, the university "might" be able to raise $6 million, but he emphasized it is not a certainty. The possibility of the city and county participating in the funding of the project is also being explored. He added: "There is still much to be determined before the expansion can become a reality."
If the project is successful, Shepard estimated a completion date of spring of 2014.
Shepard concluded by saying: "The bottom line is that we continue to make slow progress, but it's ever present on my mind. The pool isn't just a university asset, but an asset for the community. Any and all support is always appreciated especially with the Legislature."