Swimming Pool
Pool closing?
As reported in the August 25, 2004 edition of The Washburn Review, the future of the pool in Petro Allied Health Center is uncertain. Of course, the common administrative laments were quoted - high operating costs and significant impending maintenance costs. What students may not realize is that a property tax is assessed on Shawnee County property to provide funds specifically for property maintenance and improvements.
Inconsistent Development
While the administration was giving consideration to closing the pool, it was also dedicating a $5.5 million Student Wellness and Fitness Center, with annual operating costs of $600,000. At the very least, it seems inconsistent to close a swimming pool at the same time that a new Fitness Center is opening.
For those interested in retaining the swimming pool, you may want to watch the development of plans for the new Athletic Weight Room that is currently being designed by Schwerdt Design Group. Three alternatives are being considered for this facility, a new building, an addition to Petro, or filling in the swimming pool to provide internal space. Watch for the schematic design presentation to the Board of Regents over the next few months to see which alternative is favored by the administration.
Nagging Questions
One nagging question is why would closing the pool even be under consideration? If there are reserve funds to build a water feature on the corner of 17th and Washburn, at a cost of almost $100,000, why aren't there any funds to fix the swimming pool? Who is responsible for setting these priorities at Washburn?