ULM Master Plan-Aquatic-Multi Use -Rev-1Students will be able to voice their opinion regarding the fate of the natatorium beginning Wednesday and ending Thursday.
Polls will be open online or via the ULM app in order to decide whether funds should be used to renovate the natatorium or to build a new facility in Bayou Park. This straw poll is simply to get an idea of what students would prefer to see happen on campus and is not a final decision that will result in any changing fees.
“From this straw poll, I want students to choose a facility they feel will best suit the needs of the majority of the student body,” said Brooke Dugas, president of the Student Government Association.
The new facility would include an indoor lap pool, an outdoor recreation pool and an amphitheater. There would also be a canoe dock along Bayou DeSiard.
Those voting for a new facility in Bayou Park will have an option to vote whether the natatorium should be turned into an event center or if it should simply be left as it is.
The event center would be used as a practice place for spirit groups on campus as well as a venue for various banquets and other events held on campus.
A third option is to leave it as it is. If the majority decides that the natatorium should not be changed at all, the YMCA or another community group would have the option of renting the facility and operating it.
This option would still allow students access to the pool.
If students vote to build the new facility and leave the natatorium in its current condition, both the natatorium and the new facility would provide students with a place to swim.
The community would have access to whichever pool is eventually built. Cost analyses for these options have not been completed, but they should be in time for the elections and will be listed on the ballot.
Assistant Dean of Student Life and Leadership Nathan Hall stressed that the results of this poll are not final and said, “There are several things that must be found out after we hear the wishes of the students. We will do our best to do the wishes of our students.”
Ballot
- Develop Bayou Park into a recreational facility with a new indoor/outdoor aquatic facility, amphitheater and canoe dock in Bayou Park.
- Renovate the current Natatorium.
- I prefer not to increase my fees but to continue the operation of the Nat until suchtime as current fees are not adequate to support it.
In the event that the current Natatorium is not renovated into an aquatic facility, would you like for it to be converted into a multi-purpose event venue?
Yes, I would like for it to be converted into a multi-purpose event venue.
No, I would not like for it to be renovated.
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