North Kent News

The Grand Rapids' school board recently listened to feedback from student-athletes about the delayed progress of the renovation of the Ottawa Hills High School swimming pool. 

In the meantime, students have been using alternative facilities that they say are inadequate and diminish the performance of the swim team. 

Superintendent Leadriane Roby said at the meeting on Jan. 9, "Our athletic facilities, including the pool of Ottawa Hills, really is a significant part in component of our facilities master plan. We know that our scholars deserve the very best, and we want to make sure that we do that."

"But also we want to make sure that we communicate that to our community so that you understand that there is a timeline," she added. "We have to do a process of bidding out what the pool is. And then this board will have to decide the timeline and work with that general contractor around the pool."

According to the board, as part of the public comment section of Grand Rapids Public Schools' meetings, students are always invited to speak, even if the subject is off the agenda and out of order. During the meeting, students have the opportunity to speak on anything they wish, but it must be done near the beginning, so they have time to do their homework and sleep. 

An issue brought up by multiple students and affecting many families this year, was addressed by the superintendent at the board's meeting Jan. 9.

This school year, the Ottawa Hills swimming pool has not been operational at all, according to Roby. A leak was discovered underneath the pool's floor last school year, and professionals were brought in to fix it. 

An estimated $500,000 was to be spent on the repairs. The superintendent promised to work on resolving the matter and to keep communicating as progress was made. Union High School and the city pool are currently being used by swimmers.

Additionally, a few swimmers spoke during the public comment period. A 10th grader named, Abby, a member of the women's team, said swimming has given her confidence, a work ethic and a supportive community. As soon as possible, she asked the board to resolve the pool problems and communicate the timeline clearly to all athletes. 

A member of the boys' swim team, Andrew, spoke about the amount of practice time swimmers have lost and about the city pool's inability to meet their needs.