UT Martin’s decision to close the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center pool on March 10 stems from the cost of repairs, the need for major renovations, and declining student and community usage, according to an email sent to all students.
The Elam Center was constructed in 1976 and the last renovations to the pool space took place in 2004. The Elam Center pool is now the third UT Martin campus pool to close, following the dome pool, which was demolished in 1999, according to utm.edu.
According to the school’s 10-year plan, UT Martin is currently targeting a new campus facility that will include a brand-new pool. This new facility will be directly connected to the Student Recreation Center on UT Martin’s campus.
When asked what will happen with the Elam Center space, Kurt McGuffin, UT Martin’s director of intercollegiate athletics, said, “Athletics is currently working on a funding model and fundraising for the future of the area. The area would be an indoor turf space that would benefit HHP, campus recreation, athletics and provide a revenue source for outside bookings that include youth tournaments for soccer, baseball, softball, flag football, etc.”
Meanwhile, this space will continue to be used for scuba classes this fall, according to school resources.
The effects of the pool closure on UT Martin students is a topic of discussion on campus. Justin Finn, a freshman Computer Science major from Jackson, Tennessee, said, “It’s really disappointing being a freshman and not being able to use the pool. Even with the news that the space will be turned into campus recreational space, eventually, it will most likely be complete after my time in Martin is finished.”
Most if not all the current students on campus will have graduated before the pool can be built.
In an email from the vice chancellor of Student Affairs, Dr. Andy Lewter, he said uncertainty exists in the projected start of construction for a new pool.
“Design work and funding are not yet available, and no timetable has been set,” Lewter said.
The UT Martin Elam Center pool closure now leaves both campus and the community without a local pool.
