To the Editor:
I was rather surprised and alarmed to read Provost Kertzer's remarks regarding potential delays in construction projects on campus, especially the new pool. His claim, in a recent article ("Delays in growth likely, URC says," Oct. 28) that the temporary pool is "working well as it is" is factually untrue. Yes, the temporary pool is a far better option than traveling to Wheaton College and Seekonk high school for practice; however, the facility is not, in many ways, even a moderately good solution for the Varsity Water Polo and Swimming programs or the Brown community as a whole.
Neither the Swimming team nor the Water Polo team can host home events and the pool is not large enough to be a regulation-sized facility for water polo matches. Moreover, with the wires that stretch across the pool and the lack of a diving platform, even practicing at the temporary pool is difficult for both teams.
Ultimately, this jeopardizes the programs in their abilities to recruit, fundraise and promote Brown University. Most importantly, the temporary pool fails to provide adequate opportunities for the community that frequently used the Smith Swim Center. The pool is only available to students, faculty, and staff for a few hours a week in the middle of the day, making its use difficult for those who have classes, work and enjoy eating lunch. Youth swim teams no longer use the Brown facility and intramural activities at the pool are nonexistent. Every other Ivy League school has a pool on campus that provides a location for recreation and exercise. Without programs that teach scuba diving or even basic swimming lessons, Brown is simply not up to par.
This problem needs to be fixed and should not be delayed any longer than it already has. The Smith Swim Center was officially closed in January 2007, nearly two years ago. The temporary pool is not "working well as it is" and I would encourage Provost Kertzer to revisit his opinions on this matter and make an effort to support the construction of the new aquatics facility as quickly as possible.
Alex Robb '08
Oct. 28
