Historic George B. Walker Natatorium on the campus of Delta State University will be permanently closed on December 9. “Over the years, the natatorium facility has deteriorated,” said Ronnie Mayers, assistant athletic director of aquatics and recreational facilities. “Maintenance problems have accumulated to the point where something must be done.”
Mayers enlisted the help of Jenkins Engineering of Tupelo to examine the building’s structure and underlying soil conditions. The study found continuous leaking from the pool had saturated the soil, compromising the building’s foundation. The saturated soil also poses a threat to the nearby Whitfield building housing the Delta Music Institute and Forest Wyatt Center foundations. There are many structural concerns and the deficiencies forced Delta State officials to make a decision about the future of the structure.
“The cost of repairing the natatorium would be unreasonably expensive,” said Mayers. “In addition, unforeseen conditions will likely be uncovered during construction, further increasing the repair cost. The university’s resources are limited. There are many other maintenance projects, higher in priority, where the university would realize a greater return on its investment.”
With the natatorium closing, water aerobics and scuba diving classes currently held there will be moved to the Delta State Aquatic Center. The university has pledged to include a new therapy and fitness pool in a proposed renovation of the Forest Wyatt Center. This project, while not imminent, is on the university’s capital improvement priority list and will be advanced by the university at every opportunity.
Named for the late State Senator, IHL Board member, and prominent business man, the George B. Walker Natatorium was dedicated in 1970. It was the home of the first age group swim team established in Cleveland in 1974 and the first college swim team established for Delta State in 1985. Numerous high school, college and U.S.S. swim meets have been held in the Walker Natatorium over the years.
“I want to thank everyone for their support of the Walker Natatorium over the years,” said Mayers. “This was a difficult decision, made all the more difficult given the affection so many of us have for the Natatorium. I ask for your support of this decision and our efforts to renovate the Forest Wyatt Center in the future.”
