STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The Stony Brook University and the Department of Athletics held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to re-open University Pool on Monday, May 15. The University announced the return of Stony Brook's Swimming and Diving program for the 2017-18 academic year this past fall, following multi-million dollar renovations to its indoor pool facility.
 
Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley, Jr. MD, Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron and Head Women's Swimming & Diving Coach Janelle Atkinson were in attendance for the ceremony.

"This is an incredibly exciting day," Heilbron said. "Any time you open a facility it's a cause for rejoice and celebration, not only in athletics, but for the university as a whole."
 
The Seawolves' swimming and diving program was placed on competitive hiatus in 2012-13 following the announcement of critical maintenance renovation to University Pool. The renovations began in January of 2015 when the existing pool was completely demolished, including the removal of the existing pool deck level.
 
"It's definitely a step in the right direction, a step toward building something back," Atkinson said. "[The facility] is great, now we just need to get the bodies here and start performing. They'll make the facility look really great. I'm looking forward to the fall, and I'm excited and optimistic for this program."

The revitalized pool has a maximum depth of 13 feet and will feature a state-of- the-art movable floor in the shallow end. Two one-meter diving boards and one three-meter diving board will be installed at the west end of the pool. The mechanical system has been completely replaced with modern equipment that will be fully automated and will include remote monitoring to aid in pool maintenance. The HVAC system has been updated with multi-season climate control and a dehumidification system.
 
At the mezzanine level, the wooden bleachers have been replaced with new bleachers that will maximize seating capacity as well as meet ADA compliance. A glass rail system with stainless steel trim was also be installed along with all new lighting.
 
Lothrop Associates served as the architect for the project, while Fortunato Sons Contracting, Inc. worked as the general contractor for the project, which began construction in January 2015.