It’s not quite time to yell ‘everybody into the pool,? but Dave Griggs, senior project manager at Skanska, Inc. said the new high school natatorium should be open by January.
On Friday, work crews were coating the basin with sealant and by midnight the water began flow. But before students hit the waves the pool chemicals need to be balanced.
‘It should be ready by the beginning of the second semester, which gives the staff time to get used to it,? Griggs said.
By January, the pool will be staffed with lifeguards and swimming classes will be on the second semester curriculum. Students will have the option of taking basic swimming or life guard certification training as a physical education class.
‘We’re not making every student take the basic class because they may not need it,? said instructor Kristy Gibson-Marshall, who along with Dave Brown, will be teaching the course. ‘So we are allowing them to choose and we’ll adjust (classes) from there,? she said.
Gibson-Marshall said she’s also looking forward to adding more dynamic classes in the fall, which could include water adaptable sports such as volleyball and water polo.
In addition, Gibson-Marshall said athletes will benefit by using the pool for strength and endurance training as well as physical therapy.
‘This will be excellent for the sports trainer,? she said. ‘Andy (McDonald) will be able to work with the athletes who have injuries and hopefully get them healed faster.?
Eventually, Oxford athletics will include a swim team. But first Athletic Director Pat Ball said the school will establish a swim club to generate interest in competitive swimming.
Seating for three hundred spectators surrounds the pool, making it an ideal venue for future swim meets.
Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Director Ron Davis said the cooperation of school officials made it possible for the pool to be open to the general public beginning in January.
‘We’ll start with open family swimming to get folks in the water,? Davis said, adding that based on participation, he hopes to eventually include programs such as Scuba, water aerobics and tiny tots. ‘We’re asking people to be patient with us until we get out feet wet, so to speak,? he said.
Davis said once family swimming begins his department will administer a survey see what pool-related programs the community wants.