BY SAM HOISINGTON
In late 2011, the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees announced the immediate closure of the pool facility located in the Hull Physical Education Building, effective the last day of the fall 2011 semester.
A press release from Tech cited the cost of upgrading the pool to meet new handicap accessibility regulations and escalating costs of maintaining the pool as reasons for its closure. The pool was part of the original section of Hull that opened in 1972. The pool has remained vacant since its closure to the public.
According to Galen Rounsaville, Tech construction manager, no formal investigation into the cost of repairing the pool has been done. Rounsaville also said that the university does not have a specific plan for how to re-purpose the space at this time.
David Moseley, senior vice president for administration and finance, confirms that the pool will not be reopened but says the space will be included in plans for a forthcoming renovation of the building.
Local residents were allowed to use the Hull pool for recreation and exercise. The closure of the pool left the city of Russellville without any pool facility for public use.
Russellville High School’s swim team was displaced and was forced to make alternate plans for the rest of the swim season. Lisa Huelle’s daughter was on the Russellville High School swim team that made use of the pool while it was open.
“It’s very conducive to holding swim meets. It’s a good facility. I hate that nothing’s happened there,” Huelle said.
Seven of Arkansas’ eleven public universities have pool facilities for student fitness purposes.
The Arka Tech 