On a snowy day, the Aquatic Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools was finally able to open its doors to the public.
Students, school administrators, coaches, teachers, parents and more warmed up after braving the snowy conditions inside the new aquatic center.
The 13,200 sq ft building cost $8,750,000 which came from interest SVVSD has accumulated saving the district from dipping into its general fund, said Superintendent Don Haddad.
Students from all over the district can now practice in the 260,000 gallons of water owned by the district instead of having to rent other local facilities. The district can also host its own swim meets, said Athletic Director Chase McBride.
The eight-lane pool and diving well will see many students compete and break records for years to come, SVVSD Board of Education President Joie Seigrist said.
In addition to being used by athletes for competition, practice and even physical therapy, district officials have plans to offer educational courses such as lifeguard training, swimming lessons and underwater robotics.
Haddad said he hopes the district will be able to begin planning for another pool on the east side of the district in the not too distant future, although plans for that have not yet begun.
Swimmers from each of the district’s eight swim teams — made up of six girls teams and two boys teams — stood upon the blocks and made a splash as the ribbon was cut swimming the first laps after the aquatic center’s official opening.
“I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to swim in this pool my senior year,” said Mary Cordabella from Niwot who will head to Notre Dame next year after winning several state championships in swimming.
