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Wayland-Cohocton Pool Opens
by Eric Martell
After more than a year and more than five million dollars, construction
of the aquatic center at Wayland-Cohocton CSD has finally come to a
close. The old pool had been renovated to make necessary changes when
the idea behind the project was brought before the board of education.
The pool, which had fallen into a state of decay, was first constructed
in 1959, making it the oldest pool in NYS section V. The pool project
improved the center of the building by raising the roof to a New York
State height that allows for diving. Previously, Wayland Cohocton was
not allowed to have diving because the roof was too low. Other changes
include the deepening of the pool by 4.5 feet and widening the pool,
providing a sixth lane.
See more images of the pool here.
The aquatic center also provides for a drinking fountain,
state of the art timing systems, state of the art handicapped accessible
pool equipment, and brand new equipment for the Wayland Cohocton Swim
teams. The pool also comes equipped with underwater cameras and brand
new lane lines, courtesy of the Booster Club.
Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Wetherbee was
originally concerned that the project would not receive enough support
throughout the district and into the community. When Proposition 1 and
Proposition 2 were signed and passed by WCCS Board of Education and
Wetherbee, with overwhelming support at 81% and 87% respectively, his
concerns were diminished and his vision for a center for aquatic
education and improved athletics was becoming a reality.
“We want to provide every opportunity to every Wayland
Cohocton child and adult who can’t otherwise have opportunities like
this,” Mr. Wetherbee said.
He explained that it was a decision that was meant for the
betterment of all people of the Wayland-Cohocton area that will “provide
lasting opportunities for everyone for at least the next fifty years”,
he continued to say.
Superintendent Wetherbee addressed concerns over how much
would be spent on the project and how WCCS would pay for it, explaining
that due to tireless work by WCCS’ business office, NYS would pay for
95% of the total cost, leaving a 5% burden on WCCS taxpayers.
“We want to use our new aquatic center to provide for
Aerobics, adult education, and elementary education, because swimming is
such an important part of life education” Wetherbee went on to comment.
It had been a rough year for both the Girls varsity team and
the Boys varsity team. These teams did not have a home facility in which
to practice or host meets. The solution came when the girls were allowed
to practice at Bath-Haverling and hold meets in Dansville. The boys’
team made an agreement to use Dansville facilities for both practice and
meets.
From
April 2008 to October 2009, the project changed the face of the aquatic
center and constructed the most up to date, state of the art pool in
Upstate New York.