UMD’s nearly 70-year-old pool is reopening after undergoing a major renovation. A Grand Re-opening celebration is happening on Friday, April 15, 2022. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the program begins at 2:15 p.m.
The program includes students demonstrating the pool’s new flow system in swim, surf, and waterwater settings.
The event takes place in UMD’s pool which is at the bottom level of the Sports and Health Building, room 20, 1216 Ordean Court.
Why Renovate?
The 68-year-old pool infrastructure had been regularly maintained through the years, but faced significant structural upgrades to bring it to current standards.
In June, 2021, It was decided to close the facility to allow time for a major upgrade rather than continue to apply frequent repairs.
Making a Splash
UMD’s pool reopened in February with a completely renovated pool deck and pool basin, structural repairs, complete plumbing and filtration system renovation, and the addition of a flow system that provides a current and waves. This flow system is one of the only systems of its kind in the country.
The project was funded through a combination of institutional funds, student fees, and funding from the state of Minnesota.
“We’re now able to offer access to aquatic fitness and skills– things people need to be safe on the water, “ says Adam Burke, director of the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program. “What’s uniquely UMD is the additional opportunities for people to learn how to work with moving water. Lifelong skills and safety can be developed through UMD’s pool.”
About UMD’s Pool
UMD’s pool is in the second oldest building on campus. The Physical Education building, as it was known then, was built in 1953 as the campus shifted from the lower location, Old Main, to the new, current campus up the hill.
The pool served not only UMD students but also the community. “Over time, many thousands of Duluth children learned to swim at UMD, and many thousands of UMD students developed their aquatic skills and competed here,” says Burke. He adds that lifeguard, surf, and scuba skills have also been developed at UMD’s pool.