After several months, University of Connecticut students still cannot use the Aquatic Center at the Student Recreation Center. The pool is drained, and students are not allowed to enter this section of the gym.
Although no specific date of operation had been provided in the past, it was expected that the pool would open in time for the Spring 2025 semester, according to The Daily Campus. The Aquatic Center is still unusable, as the 25-yard pool is empty and blocked off with yellow chains and signs.
Students were originally informed that the pools would be closed until Dec. 13, alluding to the idea that the pool would be re-opened in time for the start of the spring semester.
According to multiple Student Recreation Center faculty members, there is no definite answer as to when the pools will be re-opened. Rec faculty told the Daily Campus “We don’t know anything,” when asked when the pools will be opened or what the cause of the closure was.
According to University Spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, the closing of the pool was unforeseen and unavoidable, though there are no health or safety concerns.
“The current issue was unforeseen and unavoidable but does not pose health or safety concerns for any of the pool’s past or recent users. More information will be shared publicly when appropriate,” Reitz said.
Club sports that utilize the pool at the UConn Rec Center have had to host practices elsewhere, according to a previous statement to the Daily Campus by Reitz.
“UConn Recreation also engaged with our partners in UConn Athletics to address the current situation, and with their assistance, practice for both the Swimming and Water Polo Club Sport Teams resumed[…],” said Reitz.
“I used to use the pool all of the time, but it just hasn’t opened and we don’t know why,” said eighth-semester psychology major Daniel Pond, “It’s been open my whole time in college, but now this is my last semester here and I haven’t been able to use it.”
Though there are still no definite answers, Reitz reassured that the university is working to open the pool soon in a statement to the Daily Campus.
“UConn Recreation has been working closely with UConn Facilities Operations and professional aquatics consultants, but additional work is required before it can be re-opened.” Reitz said.
For more information about the UConn Rec Center, visit recreation.uconn.edu.
Is there any update to this story? It seems odd that UConn Rec doesn’t know what is wrong, or can’t share it with the public. Are there plans to reimburse students and members for the pool being closed?
Any updates? Trying not to comment too frequently!