ULM hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday to commemorate the reopened Lake C. Oxford Natatorium. University officials, YMCA representatives and elected officials from the Monroe area spoke to the standing room only crowd that gathered to see the embattled building open its doors once again.

“The partnership shows that people can get together for a common good,” said University Pres. Nick Bruno. “This will help students to decide rather they want to continue renovations of the natatorium or to go in a different direction.”

The natatorium’s future had been in question since it was shut down last summer, reopened for the fall semester, shut down again in December, and reopened again thanks to a partnership between the University and the YMCA.

Chris Pealer, executive director of the YMCA, encouraged community members and students to sign up for classes and memberships the YMCA is offering through the natatorium. “I have intentions of planning different games and activities as well as competitions between fraternities such as aquatic obstacle course and boat races, although these are kind of expensive ideas,” said Pealer.

Five water aerobics classes will also be offered to students and the general public. In addition, swim lessons will be offered for all ages and triathlon training will also be available, according to YMCA officials.

Pealer said, “I hope to try and find some new innovative ways to appeal to the student body…”

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