OCHS pool will receive $200,000 upgrade

Oak Creek - The high school swimming and diving team scored a victory Monday when the School Board approved a $200,000 plan that will raise the pool's water level as well as add starting blocks and new lane markers.

The district will pay for the upgrades with money from the community services fund - fees paid for out-of-school services like driver's ed and after-school activities - along with money left over from a donation Wispark made to pay for field turf as part of a land trade agreement. The turf cost lest than expected.

The district plans to move the pool's drainage and filtration systems in a way that will allow the water level to reach the top edge of the pool.

Competitive advantage

Starting blocks and lane markers are estimated to cost about $15,000, but they will help the swim team with its competitiveness.

"Many of the new swimmers are very scared when going to an away meet and using the starting blocks because of their lack of experience and practice with them," said Katie Andreska, coach of the girls swim team. "They have a hard time diving in because they don't get the practice of what it feels like to start from a block."

Community benefit

The higher water level will help other pool users as well. Students with disabilities will have a much easier time getting in and out of the pool, officials said.

Oak Creek High School offers freshman swim classes as well as a lifeguarding class, which the district believes also will benefit from the raised water levels and starting blocks.

Construction is planned to being shortly after the school year ends.

Just the facts

Upgrades to the Oak Creek High School pool will include raising the water level and adding starting blocks and lane markers.

Construction to occur over summer break.

$200,000 expense won't be paid for with tax money.