St. Thomas Academy Pool Repair Complete, Ready for Fall Swim Season

is celebrating the restoration of their pool building, just in time for the school year and fall swim season.

Structural damage was found in the pool building’s walls during repairs to the pool’s air handling system in July 2011. Its subsequent closure, deemed a precautionary measure, relocated the regular activities of the 2011-2012 swim seasons and swim classes.

The building and five-lane pool are part of the school's original campus, which opened in 1965, according to Paul Solmon, director of facilities. 

"It’s had a good run," he said.

Reconstruction of the pool this summer coincided with construction of the school's new and ran on schedule, said Solmon.

The east wall was replaced and additional support beams were added to the south and north walls, according to the school. Repairs were not needed on the west wall.

The pool was ready for the Visitation swim team to begin practice Aug. 13. Visitation home meets will be held at St. Catherine University. 

In addition to the wall repairs, visitors and athletes will notice a few updates: The air handling system was replaced, new lighting was installed, a window to the hallway replaced a ticket window and fresh tile was put down. 

“It’s great to have the pool back open, not only for the STA and Visitation swimming teams, but also for all our Academy students. Last year we weren’t able to offer water safety skills as part of our health/physical education classes. That’s an important part of the curriculum we can offer again,” said John Barnes, STA's head swimming and diving coach, in a statement.

The school has been focusing fundraising efforts on reaching their $18 million goal to complete the student activity center. 

“With the construction beginning on the activities center, I hope that fundraising can begin soon for a new aquatic center. The planned facility will benefit students at both schools, as well as swim programs in the area,” said Barnes.

See Also:

St. Thomas Academy's Cadet Construction blog

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