Ayo Swimming Pool, which normally opens in April, will remain closed this year due to budget cuts that are preventing the University from making needed repairs.The 33-year-old pool has tears and holes in the lining, leaks in the piping system and deterioration in the electrical system.

Mike Davis, assistant vice president for administration, said the repairs are estimated at $145,000.

Davis said the funds cannot come from the operating budget. “The only other possible fund would be the Building Use Fee account; however, it is being hit very hard with the renovations to Peltier Auditorium and will be used to renovate several classrooms in Peltier.”

With the pool closed, the swimming pool at La Maison du Bayou Apartments will be available for University students with a valid Colonel Card. Youth summer camps, such as Colonel Camper, will also have access to the pool at La Maison for recreational swimming, Brandie Toups, director of continuing education, said.

Other programs, such as water aerobics, will also be relocated if an adequate pool is found, Toups said.

The anticipated construction of a student recreation center will not have an effect on the repairs that need to be made to Ayo Pool. Mike Matherne, director of campus recreation, said aquatic facilities are not included in the design for the student recreation center.

Although a pool could easily be added to the center in the future, Matherne said aquatics did not rank highest in requested student amenities.

However, Matherne said it is important to make the repairs needed to reopen Ayo Pool.

“Over 5,200 swimmers were accommodated by Ayo Swimming Pool in 2009. This closure is disappointing, but I know that the University administration is constantly looking at alternative funding opportunities to make the necessary repairs,” Matherne said. “These higher education budget cuts affect us all.