Campus swimming pool not opening this semester
By GLORIA LONG and CHRIS TORRES
Penn State Harrisburg students will not be able to enjoy the luxury of the pool
this semester. The pool is still under construction and students will have to wait
to use it until final approval is given from University Park. The University will
not accept the contract until minor cosmetic repairs are made and safety issues are
addressed.
Edward Dankanich, director of Business Services, said visual items, such as roof
and slate repairs, need to be completed before the pool opens. Lobar Construction
is the principle contractor for the project and they are also involved in numerous
construction projects around the local area.
Upon a visual tour of the pool, some items, such as the handicap facilities, were
not completed. Handicap facilities must comply with Federal guidelines.
Bud Smitley, coordinator of Recreational Athletics, said that Penn State has had
other construction projects which have developed slowly, but that is because of
Penn State’s commitment to ensure safety and proper construction.
“It seems like it is going slowly,” Smitley said. “University Park is going to try
to make sure it will be done perfectly. They like to dot their i’s and cross their t’s.”
According to Janet Widoff, director of Student Affairs, student activities fees
have not been allocated to help fund the pool. She also said that there is no set
percentage of fees that are directed to the gym, but the student activity fees com
mittee receives proposals for things like equipment for the weight room and fit
ness area.
Staff Reporters
photo courtesy of Recreation and Athletics
Penn State Harrisburg’s campus swimming pool is almost
completed, but must wait for approval from University Park
before it can open. It is located behind the Capital Union
Building (CUB) and will be free for students.