Swimmers who call the Spring Branch Independent School District in Texas home are about to get a major boon to their training.
On May 3, voters in the Houston district passed Proposition C, a $76.9 million measure that will provide for the rebuilding and relocation of the W.W. Emmons Natatorium, which was built in 1975 and has served as the district’s competition pool.
Voters approved three of four bonds totaling $558.6 million in improvements to athletic facilities.
Proposition C was specifically for the natatorium, and it figures to be a major upgrade for the district and community.
There were 4,744 votes in favor of the proposition and 4,394 votes against it.
“With approval of these three critical propositions, SBISD will be able to invest in these important facilities that represent so much more than places where athletic competitions occur,” SBISD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine said in a statement. “In SBISD we believe in a well-rounded educational experience where academics, athletics and the arts are interconnected.”
The current 50-year-old natatorium has limited space to conduct training and practices for all swimming and water polo squads at all levels in the district. Memorial, Stratford, Spring Woods and Northbrook High Schools are in the district.
There is also no lobby or concession area, no dedicated training room, a small weight room and limited storage.
The rebuilt natatorium, which is proposed to be north of Darrell Tully Stadium within the district’s athletic complex, is expected to have a 65 meter by 25 yard pool with a diving well,1,200 spectator seats and a separate instructional pool.
It will also enhance the district’s ability to rent out the facility and host big meets.
The Memorial boys had the highest finish of the four at this year’s UIL 6A state meet, taking 14th, while the Stratford girls finished 16th.
Memorial has won 12 boys’ state titles and three girls’ titles in its history, but none since 1980.
The Stratford boys won the 4A UIL state title in 2012.
It’s unclear when the new facility will be ready.
Politicians and final decisions can be way off and take time. In Sweden they started to talk about replacing the old facility around 2014-2017. In 2020-2021 they put forth a public presentation for the new facility at en estimated cost of near $300 million at the time, now they hope to have something ready (a master plan) this year and they hope to be able to start building 2027 at what ever the cost might be projected to be at that point. The 2020 plan called for:
– two 50-meter pools with one having the ability to raise and lower the bottom and the other with grand stand of 2000+ seats
– two warm water teaching / rehab… Read more »
What are the plans for the old Natatorium? Will it still be used or is it going to be torn down?
Actually, Memorial won Texas high school state from 1965 to 1974, 10 years in a row. We then won again in 1978 and 1980, so 12 state titles…with coaches Pat Patterson, Richard Quick, Pete Payne and Ed Lusk
Dean Putterman, how the heck have you been?
judging by his social media feed, better than most of us!
I am well, thank you! Still trying to kick it in the water 🙂 excited to watch world trials tonight!
Dean Putterman! Hope you’re well! A former Rival.
Thank God – Emmons Natatorium is showing its age and there’s a lack of accessible 50 meter lane space in metro Houston.
Only $76.90 wow i might get one in myself
$76.90 to build an entire natatorium. Bold plan cotton
$76.9 🥀