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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College’s swimming pool is going to undergo a $2.8 million renovation. The college’s Board of Trustees voted to proceed with the renovation during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, at the recommendation of President Scott Ward.
Initial estimates for renovating the 50-year-old facility were $4.2 million. Last spring the college’s board had discussed including the renovation project in a capital millage proposal, which had been initially scheduled for the Nov. 4, 2025 election. However, that bond request has been postponed until the May 2026 election. During the September board meeting Scott emphasized that removing the pool from the bond proposal does not eliminate the need for capital funds.
“Since April, Administration has continued to work closely with Counsilman-Hunsaker and Triangle Construction to refine renovation plans,” Ward said in a memo to the board. That resulted in a reduction in cost.
The pool has been closed since spring while other renovations have taken place at the WSCC Recreation Center.
In September, Ward brought three options to the board for consideration: Reopen the pool temporarily, which would have resulted in possible short-term costs and operational risks due to unreliable aging mechanical systems; defer the renovation until after the May 2026 election; or proceed with renovation. Ward did not recommend the first two options.
In earlier discussions, the board had considered closing the pool permanently.
The grassroots group Friends of the Pool has been active in its support of keeping the pool open, expanding programming and use and renovating the facility.
The trustees are expected to approve construction contracts during its Nov. 17 regular meeting.
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