After several months of campus and community forums and discussion, Missouri Western’s swimming pool will be repaired and remain open. Thanks to a five-year agreement with the City of St. Joseph, the pool will now be open to the public at least 30 hours per week, as well.
In February, the Board of Governors approved the agreement and authorized nearly $600,000 in pool renovations.
Work, which will begin this month, includes renovation of the entire pool shell interior and pool deck, the addition of a new storefront entryway and ticket office, renovation of the locker rooms, and the addition of a family restroom and changing area, among other improvements. The pool will be closed for construction most of the summer.
Under the agreement, the city will make an annual payment to offset part of the pool’s operating expenses and provide programming in the pool. The city’s aquatic recreation supervisor will also help manage the pool September through March. The city’s payment for the first year will be up to $61,400, with subsequent years based on a percentage of expenses that exceed revenues.