Spring Break
Pool closure creates concern
by Anya Bergman
News | 11/18/08
Posted online at 5:12 AM EST on 11/18/08
Supporters of the Brandeis swimming and diving team and swim programs have begun to express their concerns to University administrators and to create awareness about the potential end of the swimming and diving program due to the indefinite closure of the 41-year-old Linsey pool, which many say could have and should have been repaired or replaced years ago.
The pool closed Oct. 28 because the temperatures of the pool water and the air in the poolroom were too cold to swim.
Senior Vice President for Communications Lorna Miles said in a phone interview that it would cost about $2 million to repair the broken air-handling system, heaters and pipes, which were leaking chlorinated water onto the floor of the mechanical room underneath the pool. She said a full renovation of the pool is estimated to cost $10 to $12 million.
No decision has been made yet as to the future of the pool or the swim program.
Brandeis swimming and diving alumni said there have been various mechanical problems within the pool building since at least the 1980s.
Head swim coach Jim Zotz explained that a new pool was part of a master construction plan in the mid-1980s and again in the early 1990s but never ended up being built.
"What could have been, should have been, never developed," he said.
Last week supporters of the swimming and diving programs began a letter-writing campaign to University President Jehuda Reinharz, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy and Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer urging them to consider the importance of the swimming and diving programs for the community.
Clark University head swimming and diving coach Paul Phillips '95 created a Facebook group supporting the Brandeis swimming and diving team that currently has over 1,000 members.
Former swimmer Erica Friedman '06 said Zotz has sent alumni pledge forms to help support the current team.
Lev Davidson '06 said that alumni will launch a Web site soon where individuals can donate to the team online and write letters to the administration.
The pool closed Oct. 28 because the temperatures of the pool water and the air in the poolroom were too cold to swim.
Senior Vice President for Communications Lorna Miles said in a phone interview that it would cost about $2 million to repair the broken air-handling system, heaters and pipes, which were leaking chlorinated water onto the floor of the mechanical room underneath the pool. She said a full renovation of the pool is estimated to cost $10 to $12 million.
No decision has been made yet as to the future of the pool or the swim program.
Brandeis swimming and diving alumni said there have been various mechanical problems within the pool building since at least the 1980s.
Head swim coach Jim Zotz explained that a new pool was part of a master construction plan in the mid-1980s and again in the early 1990s but never ended up being built.
"What could have been, should have been, never developed," he said.
Last week supporters of the swimming and diving programs began a letter-writing campaign to University President Jehuda Reinharz, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy and Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer urging them to consider the importance of the swimming and diving programs for the community.
Clark University head swimming and diving coach Paul Phillips '95 created a Facebook group supporting the Brandeis swimming and diving team that currently has over 1,000 members.
Former swimmer Erica Friedman '06 said Zotz has sent alumni pledge forms to help support the current team.
Lev Davidson '06 said that alumni will launch a Web site soon where individuals can donate to the team online and write letters to the administration.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jesse Lipnick
posted 11/23/08 @ 3:30 PM EST
Thanks for all of your efforts. I swam at Brandeis from 1981 thru 1985 and my experience there shaped my life. I learned to push myself to new achievement. (Continued…)
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