Photo by: OJ Messina

Nicholls State University is replacing its pool with a new communal area.

To revitalize the area, the pool will be replaced by a grass area. The pool building, pump house and pavilion will remain.

Dr. J. J. Ayo Pool, built in 1976, is a facility that students and the community could use for recreational purposes. Despite attempts at keeping the pool open, it slowly lost its popularity.

Danielle Breaux, Director of Facilities and Project Management at Nicholls, said that a lack of funding is one of the reasons for the pool’s closure and demolition. 

“We were spending a lot of funding for chemicals and the upkeep of [the pool], and not many people had an interest in using it. We didn’t have the funds for the staff to actually manage the pool too. It has turned into an eyesore,” Breaux said.

Breaux said various student organizations over the years wanted to put up “some type of permanent stage area somewhere to avoid all the set up.” She said that is the vision this new area is meant to have for future events.

Funds for this project come from a deferred maintenance fund from the state. This money is used to make repairs, demolition, improvements on campus and more. 

From the $500,000 Nicholls received this year, $203,700 will be used for the demolition by the Randy Landry Construction company.

Demolition begins on March 25, 2024 and is anticipated to end on April 12, 2024.

Breaux hopes this area brings about a positive atmosphere at Nicholls as a new place for students and the community to enjoy.