Athletics Facilities Updates

BOND UPDATE STORY
5/22/09

Unexpected find transforms natatorium

Anybody who has ever tackled home remodeling has probably experienced at least one unexpected event. Commercial remodeling is no different.

So when a leak at the W.W. Emmons Natatorium pool was more extensive than originally believed, district officials replaced the pool rather than re-plaster it as was called for in Bond 2007.

“Once we got the water out of the pool, it was in worse shape than we thought,” said Kris Drosche, SBISD project manager. “There were rust stains from the deteriorating rebar coming through the plaster.”

Built in 1975, the natatorium last underwent renovations in the late 1990s. The eight-lane competition pool measures 122 feet by 60 feet and is the only swimming facility in Spring Branch ISD. When completed this fall, it will hold a little more than 500,000 gallons of water.

Athletic Director Paige Hershey noted that by replacing the pool, the district was able to increase the depth in the shallow end from four feet to six feet. This makes it safer for competitive swimmers who dive in from starting platforms. It also makes SBISD compliant with a 2004 rule set by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Originally, 2011 was the scheduled year for natatorium renovations. However, the work began in March 2009 – following state swimming and diving competition – to take advantage of the highly competitive construction bids presented by the economic downturn. Many of SBISD’s construction system upgrades bid out in late 2008 and early 2009 came in below original estimates. This savings provides some protection against unforeseen expenditures, like the replacement of the swimming pool. The savings also provides a little hedge against future inflation.

The new natatorium will accommodate more students through space optimization. This is particularly evident in the student locker rooms. Here, over 60 swimmers get ready for school following morning practices that begin at 5:30 a.m. The scene repeats itself in the afternoon for teams that practice after school.

The girls’ area expands six feet by taking space from the adjacent classroom. The expansion accommodates a mirrored vanity area with plenty of electrical outlets. For each of the girls’ and boys’ dressing areas, shower heads increase from 10 to 16, including a handicapped-accessible stall. Heavyweight, molded resin lockers replace metal lockers to eliminate rust.

Other dramatic changes include the removal of the garage doors that provided ventilation. In their place is a brand new air-conditioning and heating system. A new ventilation system refreshes the interior air every 10 minutes, helping to remove harmful chlorine vapors.

Other features of the renovated natatorium include

• New roof
• New public restrooms
• Three concrete diving boards (one is 3-meters; two are 2-meters)
• Telescoping bleachers that open to ceramic tile deck
• New security cameras and locks
• Mechanical room at ground level rather than below ground level for increased safety
• Common exterior finish shared by all other SBISD athletic facilities
• Improved interior lighting

SBISD swimmers and divers have practiced in Katy ISD and at local clubs since early March. Discussions are underway to hold a joint relay event for all SBISD swimmers and divers this fall to celebrate the re-opening of the natatorium.

Click here for information on other athletics facilities upgrades (.pdf) >>