Olympia School Board considers fate of High School Swimming Pool
Public Hearing scheduled for August 7th

 

[July 29, 2023] 

Late last year, it was discovered that the pool at Olympia High School is in need of repairs. Over the past several months, the Olympia School Board of Education has been discussing whether to repair or replace the pool.

There are around 23 kids on the Olympia High School swim team. The Olympia Country Swimmers, which also use the pool, has around 49 members of the team. Many of them would like to see the pool repaired.

The school board has been discussing the situation with the pool since December 2022 looking at various options and their costs.

In December, Assistant Superintendent Andy Walsh provided the school board with an update regarding the OHS pool. The pool is still operational, but the Dectron system which controls the pool is a piece of equipment that is extremely expensive to replace. Due to the age of the equipment, the system will have to be completely replaced as the components are no longer manufactured.

The estimates to replace the system would be around $500,000. Walsh asked the Board to think about this and provide thought and direction before the system fails. The Board asked for an analysis of all costs associated with on-going pool maintenance and additional upgrades that may be needed to keep the pool operational for years to come, as well as a high-level overview of costs that may be associated with a complete renovation of that space.

Community member Peggy Rossi addressed the Board at the January board meeting regarding her desire to see the OHS Pool renovated. Rossi has coached swimming for the Olympia District, as well as for the Olympia Country Swimmers. She stated that like most sports, swimming fosters good rapport between students and parents. Rossi also said some families have moved into the Olympia District because of its pool and the swimming opportunities. Rossi ended by asking Board members to please keep an open mind when making a final decision about the OHS Pool.

At the February board meeting, Brian Johns of Dewberry Architects provided Board members with an update on the OMS entry renovation project and the OHS pool options. He announced that they will be asking for bids in the spring for the OMS project which will include repair of the outside ramp / entrance, a more secure entry area, and an updated Administrative area.

Johns, along with Maintenance Director Scott Thornton, said the mechanical equipment of the OHS pool is on its “last leg”. Mr. Johns explained that the pool could be replaced, and the lighting, floors and locker rooms updated, or the pool could be infilled, and the space used for other purposes, still with updated lighting, floors and locker rooms.

Dewberry Architects conducted a study on the costs of these options and reported back to the Board in April.

At the April school board meeting, Tracy Coker and Brian Johns of Dewberry Architects shared information and costs for the OHS Pool project(s). To begin, they said the pool is 50 years old and has reached its life expectancy. Due to its age, corrosion has taken over the equipment which is already in its final stage of life. It was also noted that the electrical system is no longer up-to-code.

Two options were being considered for the pool. The first option was to replace, update & maintain the pool / pool area. The second option was to infill the pool and renovate the area into a multi-use room.

The estimated cost for Option one is $2.8 million, which includes all of the cosmetic expenses to the pool and locker rooms. Maintaining the pool currently costs close to $90,000 per year in maintenance and electric costs. The estimated cost for Option two is $1.2 million.

Dewberry architects explained that their initial study did not involve a structural study and that without that information, the actual cost could deviate greatly from the opinion of cost that was shared.

The Board then requested that a structural study be completed. With this in mind, either project would take at least 15 months to complete, resulting in completion during the 2024-2025 school year.

At the school board meeting in May, Dr. Laura O’Donnell explained that a structural study (scanning) of the pool was being conducted, as well as a study to determine any asbestos content. She told those in attendance that there were [now] three options being considered:

1. replace the pool
2. infill the pool & repurpose the space
3. keep the pool as is until it completely quits.

With option one, Dr. O’Donnell said not only would there be the cost of replacing the pool, but there would also be the yearly maintenance costs, which at this time are approximately $87,000 per year. Dr. O’Donnell said at this time, they plan to start the 2023-2024 school year utilizing the pool as long as it’s still operational.

The structural study conducted at the pool in June showed there were no major structural concerns within the pool area.

In the past several months, community members have offered input regarding the desire to have the OHS Pool either renovated or replaced.

Over the summer, a group called “Save Olympia Pool” started a petition and pledge drive to help save the pool. Others have been writing letters to the board members requesting they vote to save the pool.

Eight year old Olympia South student Reed Polley, spoke to the board at a February meeting and asked them to help save the pool. Polley is part of the Olympia Country Swimmers, which has around 50 kids. He has won awards for his swimming and made many friends on the team who also love swimming.

In closing, Polley said, “I know that repairs take a lot of money and my swim team friends and families are willing to help do anything we can to save our pool.” I would like to make a donation to keep the pool.

While some have signed a petition or written letters asking board members to consider renovating the pool, others want the pool to be infilled.

For example, at the April meeting, Olympia High School PE / Driver’s Education Teacher and OHS Head Football Coach Eric Lyons addressed the Board with his desire to infill the current pool. He said it would allow more space for activities and practices.

On Monday, August 7, the Olympia School Board will hold a public hearing. The hearing will be at the Olympia South Elementary gym in Atlanta, and will start at 5:50 p.m.

After hearing from members of the public, the board may vote on the options.

[Angela Reiners]