In mid-March of this year, the College began renovations on the William M. Bristol, Jr. Pool. The facility was constructed in 1988, and now requires repairs and improvements to extend the life of the building by another 30 years.
The Hamilton community was first made aware of the renovations plans when President Wippman gave an update on the December 2021 Meeting of the Board of Trustees last winter. In his email, President Wippman announced that the Committee on Buildings, Grounds and Equipment put forward a resolution that authorized the College to launch necessary renovations and renewals for the Bristol Pool, Sage Rink and the Alumni Gymnasium roof. The resolution was passed by the full board in the formal business meeting.
Barry Rivet, the Interim Director of Facilities Management, explained the renovations to Bristol Pool evolved when it was realized that replacing the roof would require the facility to be closed for an extended period of time. Rather than allow for a future shutdown of the building, the College took the opportunity to address other existing issues with the pool. Rivet and the College hope to enhance the experience for Hamilton students and athletes, as well as future spectators, by upgrading the technology of the pool and the overall space.
The pool itself requires changes to the water filtration system and gutter system, as well as upgraded pool amenities like the pool bulkhead, diving boards, record boards and scoreboard. Additionally, there will be a new sound system, solutions to ADA accessibility issues and new LED lighting. Many of these improvements will be imperceptible to the naked eye, but will hopefully be valued by the Hamilton Swimming and Diving teams during their seasons to come.
Currently, the Swimming and Diving teams are out of season and do not need to practice. However, next semester they will take a bus to a pool 20 minutes away everyday until the Bristol Pool is reopened. Ella Brady ’24, a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, commented on the pool’s closure: “I guess it’s definitely not ideal, but hopefully the commute isn’t too bad. Also, a nicer pool is worth it in the end since it definitely needs some updates.”
Athletes are not the only ones affected by the renovations. Grace Policelli ’24, who worked as a lifeguard at Bristol Pool for seven to ten hours weekly, explained “it’s been tough not being paid for the hours I used to work, but I’m lucky to also have another on campus job at Mail Center.” Prior to the closure, she would lifeguard for both the Swimming and Diving teams and lap swimmers.
Rivet expects the pool renovations project to be completed by early January 2023.
