SALISBURY — At the beginning of March, Salisbury University’s Maggs Physical Activities Center Pool began its renovations to upgrade the facility. After eight long months, the pool was ready to open.

“I want to thank Dr. Charles Wight and the rest of the University Administration for supporting the pool renovation project,” said Dr. Gerry DiBartolo, SU’s Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. “These renovations were a long time coming but I’m pleased that we were able to move forward with the project.”

“We are extremely excited to use the new facility,” said head swimming coach Jill Stephenson. “The renovations will make the overall experience at the pool more enjoyable. I am excited to get the student-athletes back into the facility to start training.”
During the renovations, the swim teams did not stop training. “We did a lot of dry land workouts,” Stephenson said. “We tried to have fun games incorporated into each workout. One day, we used cards to symbolize different exercises. We wanted to make the most of our opportunities even though the pool was closed.”
The men’s and women’s swimming teams’ home was completely gutted and refurbished over those eight months. One of the highlights of the renovation was a new ventilation system that will make the pool area less humid during meets and practices. Along with the pool’s state-of-the-art filtration system and a new LED lighting system, the facility is more energy-efficient than in the past.

The swimmers got a chance to take their first laps in the renovated pool on Nov. 16.
“The renovations are very nice and I’m glad that we can use the pool when a lot of other schools aren’t able to practice,” said sophomore Kiki Graham. “My favorite addition is the new starting blocks that will help us be more competitive during meets.

“The pool looks much bigger and less compacted with the new ceiling and lighting,” stated sophomore Layla Tibero. “The renovations make the pool more modern than before.”
With the team’s move to the Metropolitan Swimming and Diving Conference in 2020-21, Stephenson expects the new facility will help in recruiting and developing the student-athletes.
“Overall, I think these renovations are a tremendous help for the program,” said Stephenson. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication to the swimmers that have come through the old facility. These renovations will only help make SU more attractive to potential student-athletes and benefit everyone for years to come.”