Possibility of pool closing worries students, faculty
Nick Williams
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When the GSC swimmers took to the pool for the intramural swim meet Feb 24, they had no idea it may be the last meet for a long time.
School administrators, asked by the chancellor of the Board of Regents trim an additional 3.37 million from their budgets, put the pool on the chopping block.
Paul Glaser, vice president of business and finance, spoke of this at Friday's emergency faculty/staff meeting.
"The pool is probably going to be closed," Glaser said. "We have talked about this for a number of years. A date has not been decided but we're close to making a decision."
Lisa Watson of the division of health and wellness was shocked and spoke out at the meeting.
"It's disturbing," Watson said, "we had no warning whatsoever, I came in Friday morning and found out."
The possibility of the pool closing was confirmed as the Board of Regents posted an outline of University System school's proposed budget cuts on Monday. According to the document, the elimination of the pool would save the school an estimated $100 thousand dollars.
"It was disappointing news," said Warren Caputo, also of the division of health and wellness, "I think people were quite shocked. Hopefully there's something they can work out regarding this."
Though no hard-decisions have been made at this point, the possibility of the pool closing resonated throughout the college. Not only with faculty, but students young and old, who depend on the pool for classes, fitness and overall well-being.
"To me, this would be like saying 'Ok, we're not having the Dunlap/Mathis building anymore,'" Watson said.
"I know I can find another place to swim," Watson said, "but I think about people like Dave (Reeseman) where swimming is his life, extending his life."
Reesman, who turned 84 on Feb 6, has been taking swim classes at GSC for eight years.
"My doctors explained that that type of (exercise) both mental and physical, is ideal, and that is what all senior citizens should be involved in." Reeseman said. "I feel like it's my livelihood because I was declared as certainly above average if not perfect health for my age. It would be a huge loss and it has been a benefit for me."
Watson also mentioned several handicapped people that use the pool because swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise that just about anyone can do.
"Legislature is proposing the need for health/wellness programs on campus for faculty and staff," Watson said, "citing the need for good health as a prevention of health problems. What better for them than swimming?"
Swimming is not only a good exercise, it's also where many people go to have fun.
"The pool means a lot," said Emily McAbee, a GSC student, "I've swam my whole life and it's a big deal to me, and it's a big deal to other people."
But exercise isn't the only thing people depend on the pool for.
Cory Howe, who works as a lifeguard for the pool said if he loses the pool, he also loses his job.
"I don't know how much more they can cut," Howe said, "we've already been down to the bone, now we're getting into the marrow."
Howe also commented on the condition of the pool, citing the age as a key factor.
"The pool itself was built in the 1960's and it's way outdated," Howe said, "when we had the funding they should have renovated."
Watson has put together a petition to create publicity for the pool. She hopes that the community's attachment to the pool will convince the administration that the pool is vital to the college as well as the community.
"I'm hoping everyone will take the time to sign along with their primary use of the pool," Watson said, "be it swim class, Laker Society, or continuing education."
Emily Perry contributed to this article.
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