Sandusky Schools updates pool project design

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Schools' newest construction project underwent some changes to save money. During a recent public meeting, Sandusky board members approved updates to Sandusky Aquatic Center's design created by ThenDesign Architecture, an educational design firm based in Willoughby, near Cleveland. With the latest planned updates, only one pool will now be constructed. The Register asked Sandusky Schools to clarify what exactly these recent project decisions made by board members mean. District spokeswoman Kerstyn Pou said in November, project architects from ThenDesign Architecture told Sandusky Schools about "anticipated increases to construction costs." "The district then asked TDA to revise the facility design to include efficient use of space and resources while continuing to meet the three primary goals of the Aquatic Center: teach Sandusky youth how to swim; offer community access for swimmers of all ages; and to support the district's extracurricular swim teams and clubs," Pou said. "The updated design features (approved by board members this month) a new eight-lane, stainless steel Myrtha competition pool, including a pool ramp, removable equipment; and other accommodations to meet the needs of young children, elderly residents and those with special needs. "The plan to restore the current 65-year-old pool was determined to be too costly," Pou said. Instead, the space will "be renovated to include a large multi-purpose room for various student and community activities" like "youth wrestling, competition cheer practice, and community yoga classes." "With this updated design, the Sandusky Aquatic Center will feature 285 spectator seats, newly designated team bleachers, new family restrooms, a new entrance, lobby, offices and storage space," Pou said. "The existing swim team locker rooms will also be renovated and remain in use." Sandusky Aquatic Center will still be built behind Sandusky High School near the athletic entrance, but about 65 current parking spaces will be taken away. Additionally, construction is now expected to begin in June 2023 and be completed by December 2024. Pou also said the Sandusky Education Foundation, a nonprofit handling the project's fundraising campaign, has raised 98% of its $9.5 million goal for construction costs, an endowment fund for long-term pool maintenance and replacement; and community programs. In June 2022, the estimated cost for the project was $11 million, an increase from the original $7 million price tag given years ago. What's happened so far Sandusky Schools recently hired ThenDesign Architecture and Water Technology, Inc. of an aquatics design firm based in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. ThenDesign architects Ryan Schmit and Claire Bank along with Water Technology engineer Steve Crocker will lead the design process for the new facility, district officials said. Sandusky alumni started the pool project in 2017 because the current pool at Sandusky High School is more than 60 years old and disintegrating. Back then, the group of former swimmers hired Wallover Architects, from Pennsylvania, for the preliminary design and budget work. The Sandusky Education Foundation took up the project's financial components. Plans to build a pool facility for district and community use halted due to COVID-19 but restarted within the past year. Erie County nonprofit foundations like the Wightman-Wieber Foundation, Dorn Foundation, local businesses and individual donors have pledged financial support and now have given most of the project's needed funds. The project also snagged $2 million from Sandusky Schools meant for repairing the current pool. Anyone interested in donating to the Sandusky Aquatic Center should visit sanduskyef.org or feel free to email bhanck@sanduskyef.org, for more information on the ways one may contribute. People can send questions regarding the Sandusky Aquatic Center project to sanduskyaquaticcenter@scs-k12.net. _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood