Will SMS pool be converted for community use?

Following a successful 2013 High School (SHS) pool renovation, Shelbyville Central Schools (SCS) Board now analyzes new opportunities for the Middle School (SMS) pool. As part of an $18 million school construction, the SMS pool opened in 1991. While still in suitable condition and used daily, upcoming maintenance items lead the board to look creatively toward the future.

“We looked at the cost of operation and maintenance of the pool,” school board president David Finkel said. “We decided that while having two pools is nice, it is in many ways a luxury.” A mile and a half away, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department has long-desired an indoor aquatic center. With the Parks Department focused on providing quality amenities, finding the substantial investment needed to build a new facility seems beyond reach. Hence, the idea hatched for what Finkel calls “a unique opportunity for inter-governmental partnership.” Both the city and school board now begin the due diligence process to determine if the underutilized SMS pool will become a city indoor aquatic center. “Everyone is completely open to the idea,” Rob Nolley told the SCS board at last Tuesday’s meeting. Nolley serves as SHS boys and girls and Shelby County Aquatic Club swim coach. The board maintains a history of stellar pool management. Placed into service in 1967, the old SHS pool offered decades of use before age and design necessitated an upgrade. “The primary reason (for the renovation) was for the safety of our students,” Finkel said. Through sound fiscal management, SCS paid cash for the new pool without affecting tax rates. Now the dust has settled and the board focuses next door. While there is no discussion regarding closing the pool, the facility’s “effectiveness in our educational scheme (is) diminished,” Finkel said.

The City must determine the financial feasibility of the project. Some items will need replaced soon. However, it likely makes economical sense to retrofit the pool and assume regular operation and maintenance rather than build. The pool’s entrance must also be upgraded, as well as additional security measures provided. “SCS is excited about the possibility of converting the SMS pool for community use,” Finkel said. A time table on the due diligence process and decision has not been set. Finkel closed last week’s discussion with a comment that neither party is in “any time rush.” Only time will tell if this “unique opportunity” will be realized.