The swimming pool inside the M.O. Looney Complex at Missouri Western State University will remain open. Missouri Western’s Board of Governors authorized nearly $600,000 in renovations to the pool, and approved a five-year programming and use agreement with the City of St. Joseph. The agreement is subject to the approval of the St. Joseph City Council.
“When we first started discussing the future of the pool, we heard loud and clear that it is a valued asset to the community, and we’re grateful that Mayor Bill Falkner brought many interested parties together to keep our pool open,” said Shana Meyer, vice president for student affairs. “We think the facility improvements and additional programming will make it a more attractive recreation option for both the campus and the community.”
E.L. Crawford Construction of St. Joseph won the bid to provide renovations with a low bid of $582,991. The work will include renovation of the entire pool shell interior and pool deck, the addition of a new storefront entryway and ticket office that will allow patrons to enter directly from the outside, renovation of the locker rooms and the addition of a family restroom and changing area, among other improvements. The replacement of the facility’s roof will be bid separately.
The pool will be closed for construction in May after the spring semester ends, with completion expected before school starts in August.
Under the operations and maintenance agreement, the city will make an annual payment to Missouri Western to offset part of the pool’s operating expenses, provide programming in the pool, and make the city’s aquatic recreation supervisor available to help manage the pool during the months of September through March. The payment for the first year will be up to $61,400, with subsequent years based on a percentage of expenses that exceed revenues.
Missouri Western agrees to have Looney Pool open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with at least 30 hours per week available for “open swim” recreational use by the general public. The agreement was on the city council’s agenda for first reading Feb. 16, and is expected to be up for passage at the next regular council meeting.
Missouri Western has also worked with the YMCA, St. Joseph School District, Buchanan County and others to be sure all local pool users can be accommodated.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.