Tarleton builds new Aquatics Center

By: Taite Read

Graphic Designer 

The new Tarleton State University Aquatics Center is set to open soon next to the Campus Recreation Center. 

Construction began in fall 2020 and originally was set to finish in August 2021. It is currently spring 2022, and students are still eagerly waiting for the new center to open.  

According to Tarleton’s Marking and Communications website the new center will have, “an NCAA Division I indoor pool with eight 25-yard lanes and bleacher seating, an outdoor multifunctional pool for use by Tarleton students and the community, and a first aid office, locker and dressing rooms, family changing rooms, storage areas and wet training lab for kinesiology students.” 

Sophomore Madison Browning is excited for the pool to open.

“I can’t wait to be able to go to the outdoor pool with friends,” Browning said. 

Allyson Black, a junior kinesiology major, is a lifeguard at the current Aquatics Center located in Wisdom Gym. She sees the benefit of opening a new Aquatic Center.

“More job opportunities for students because we will need more lifeguards,” Black said. 

Along with bringing more job opportunities, the center will grow Tarleton’s kinesiology program, increase student interest in competitive swimming and potentially bring a NCAA Division I swim team to Tarleton. 

The pool in Wisdom Gym is only open to students enrolled in kinesiology classes at Tarleton. Once the new center opens, it will be available to students as well as the public. 

The Aquatic Center will also give the students the opportunity to meet others and become interested in swim classes the kinesiology program holds.

“This is great for Tarleton. Our campus continues to grow and still provide new facilities to students,” said Browning. 

Black said the indoor pool could possibly have a soft opening on April 21, 2022. 

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