TAHLEQUAH The swimming pool at the Northeastern State University Fitness Center has been closed for renovation since Sept. 17, and according to university officials, there are no plans to reopen the facility anytime soon.

According to Todd Enlow, who in September was named NSU director of Auxiliary Services, the university has had a plan in place since last spring to renovate the aging facility. But a complaint filed with the Cherokee County Health Department by a local swimmer prompted closure of the pool sooner than predicted.

Enlow indicated pool patrons have been denied access throughout early planning stages between the university and GH2 Architects.

The move affected NSU students, Continuing Education water aerobics participants, the Tahlequah Boys & Girls Club USA Swimming Team Stingrays, community members who use the pool for health purposes, and those who swim for recreation.

Stingrays Coach Bob Bradshaw made arrangements through the Fort Gibson School District to use the facility there for a brief period, but is now searching for new options.

Weve used all our time allotted at Fort Gibson, said Bradshaw. Now, their swim teams need the space. Weve contacted [a facility] in Muskogee that will give us one hour a week, on Saturdays, at $50 per hour. Were also planning on talking to a couple of local hotel owners that have pools to see if we can use their pools for stroke and turn work.

The Stingrays have a swim meet this weekend, as well as a meet in Bartlesville later this month. Bradshaw said hes doing his level best to keep his team in shape.

We go to the NSU Fitness Center for weight work and use their track for stamina, said Bradshaw. Were just doing whatever we can to keep the team in shape.

Bradshaw said that while Maryetta School has an indoor pool, cost and water temperature preclude it from being an option for the Stingrays.

Its expensive, and they keep the water temperature anywhere from 92-98 degrees; the water is way too hot. Our kids run out of breath and it makes them sick. Were just going to go with what we can go with, and hopefully, the pool will open again soon.

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Pool repairs running behind schedule