Mayor Ranae Bartlett and MCS Schools Superintendent Eric Terrell announced the joint venture. Photo by John Peck
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Long-sought aquatic center to be built in Dublin Park
MADISON – Madison City Schools and the City of Madison are teaming up on plans to build an Aquatic Center in Dublin Park.
Mayor Ranae Bartlett and MCS Schools Superintendent Eric Terrell announced the joint venture today on the #5 soccer field beyond the tennis courts and main rec building in Dublin.
The venture will bring a long-sought indoor aquatic facility for school swim & dive competitions, fitness programs, swim lessons and recreational use. The current outdoor pool and smaller covered pool at Dublin will remain for public use.
“For years, our swimmers – our kids, our student athletes, our families – have had to make do with aging swim facilities and limited lane space to practice and hold swim meets,” Mayor Bartlett said in a joint announcement with Superintendent Mr. Eric Terrell and city and school leaders. “That wait is coming to an end.”
The new Aquatic facility will be approximately 25,000 square feet and include plenty of observation space. City and school leaders will collaborate on a facility use agreement for schools and other details after building plans materialize and input from the public.
Mayor Bartlett said the project will have the dual benefit of giving student athletes a place to train and compete and be a resource for the broader Madison community.
Superintendent Terrell said the facility will be beneficial to both the community at large and swim teams who have had to compete with limited lane space, distant travel to other communities and time challenges for pool time.
“A new Aquatic Center means our swim programs can train and compete year round, without being at the mercy of the seasons or the availability of someone else’s pool.
“A facility like this benefits our broader school community through physical education opportunities, swim safety instruction, and access for students who might never have set foot in a pool otherwise,” he said.
Terrell thanked the mayor and other city leaders for their partnership and investment in students. “This is the kind of collaboration that makes Madison City Schools, and this whole community, stronger,” he said.
