SUNY Cobleskill won’t be reopening its pool, closed since last year for critical repairs.
The closure was originally intended to be temporary, so the facility could be fully assessed after the main water main to the pool fractured last summer and other mechanical and structural issues came to light.
In an announcement posted to the college’s website on August 8, President Marion Terenzio said a comprehensive analysis of the complex has determined that the cost of repairs “is prohibitive, far exceeding current financial resources. Thus, we have made the very difficult decision to close the pool permanently.”
The college is not releasing the cost of the estimated repairs, calling them, again, “prohibitive.”
“While this is not the decision we wanted to make, as stewards of the institution, we must balance the many needs of students and the community against valuable resources,” Dr. Terenzio said in the statement.
“…we have exhausted all options if finding a way to make the natatorium viable.”
Closing the pool will mean discontinuing the college’s Division III Swimming and Diving program, on hiatus since last fall.
It will also mean an end to community swim and swim lessons.
“Discontinuing any athletic program is difficult, and we understand the disappointment this decision will cause to our students, staff, and the larger community,” Dr. Terenzio said.