Trustees approve pool repairs, network upgrade

Swimming and Diving Program, variety of recreational opportunities to be restored

Photos/Mike Lovett

The Brandeis community is getting its pool back.

The Board of Trustees approved a renovation plan for the Linsey Pool facility on Thursday, March 31. Senior Vice President for Administration Mark Collins said the project includes new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, new locker rooms, repairs to the pool and pool deck, a new entryway and updates to the lobby.

The project is expected to cost $3 million to $3.5 million to complete, Collins said.

The deterioration of the pool's infrastructure and resulting maintenance issues led to the closing and eventual suspension of the Swimming and Diving Program.

"We are thrilled that the pool will be re-opening," said Director of Athletics Sheryl A. Sousa. "We will be able to offer varsity swimming and diving again and an array of recreational programming such as open swim hours, fitness classes, intramural and club sport activity."

Work on the pool will begin later this spring, with a target date for completion in early 2012, Collins said.

Sousa said varsity swimming and diving will be reinstated for the 2012-13 academic year, including a full schedule. Recruiting for the team will begin this summer.

Re-opening the pool has been a university goal since it closed. Student surveys showed that the pool was one of their top priorities, past members of the swimming and diving team strongly advocated for the facility and alumni lobbied both former President Jehuda Reinharz and President Lawrence.

"We recognize its importance to students, alumni and other members of our community. The Board's action signals a positive step forward for Brandeis," said Keenyn McFarlane, vice president for enrollment.

The board also approved a second capital project for fiscal 2012, a much-needed upgrade of the campus technology network.

Demand on the network at Brandeis, as with all colleges and universities, has soared in recent years and the current network is increasingly experiencing problems. More than 30,000 wireless devices are connecting annually, said John Turner, director for networks and systems, who predicted that wireless demand at Brandeis could double over the next five or six years.

The upgrade is expected to take18 months to complete and will cost approximately $6 million, Turner said. Work is scheduled to start in residence halls this summer, with academic buildings to follow. The network was last upgraded in 2004.

"This upgrade will provide vastly improved wireless coverage in the dorms and academic areas on campus," said Turner. "Students and faculty will have freedom to work and study where they want. It will also ensure that we have the capacity and coverage to handle the explosion of mobile devices."