Swimming Pool, Elections Discussed at SGA Meeting

Managing Editor

   Following the Student Government Association's Feb. 3 agenda, a University of Arkansas-Monticello student asked about the Steelman Field House swimming pool.

   Taylor Chambliss asked SGA President Zack Tucker why the pool was closed.

    “The whole system I think really needs to be replaced,” Tucker said, adding estimates projected a $3-4 million replacement cost.

   Earlier estimates (reported in The Voice) of upgrading equipment fell below $500,000. The pool closed in February 2008.

    “Replacing the pool is in the Strategic Plan that we put together when Dr. Lassiter first became chancellor,” Tucker said, but unexpected financial burdens, such as replacing the air-conditioning in the Science Center, pushed back the plans.

   While the UAM Strategic Plan, targeting faculty/student retention and campus quality-of-life issues, does not address facility upgrades, the UAM Master Plan, which deals with physical and structural changes to university property, does not include pool replacement in its plan to renovate the field house.

   “The pool is not utilized, to any great extent, by UAM students or staff but is used by a group of local residents,” the Master Plan reads. “One option is to close the pool and use the space to expand the athletic support facilities.”

    In describing the field house upgrade, the Plan states: “This renovation of Steelman Field House will include renovation of the basic facilities for meeting rooms, staff offices, locker areas and equipment storage.”

    Other items under discussion at the meeting included scheduled activities previously announced, production of the SGA publication “Potty Talk,” to be displayed in bathrooms all over campus, and the upcoming SGA election.

    “All positions are open for student government right now,” Tucker said.

   For students planning to run, the deadline to file is March 11. Elections will be held April 12-14.

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