New Reily Center pool and natatorium to be unveiled at grand opening on Friday

Of the state-of-the-art new buildings and historic renovations that are transforming the Tulane campuses, one that is eagerly anticipated is the Reily Student Recreation Center Natatorium, which underwent some major upgrades over the past year. Its reopening takes place this week, ensuring that Tulanians on the uptown campus will have access to an improved experience at the natatorium.

A grand reopening is planned for Friday, Aug. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Reily Student Recreation Center. All members of the Tulane community are welcome to attend.

“We in Campus Recreation are pleased to announce the reopening of the Reily Student Recreation Center Natatorium,” said Dr. Wendy Windsor, director of the Department of Campus Recreation. “This long-awaited facility will bring much excitement to our community, as its absence has been thoroughly missed by our members.”

The renovations included planned pool maintenance. Other goals included added depth for diving from a 3-meter board, new diving stands and starting blocks, new built-in stairs for improved ingress and egress, new lighting, and a state-of-the-art Myrtha RenovAction pool surface. The project also features new filtration and sanitation with a UV system for improved water quality, new tile, deck, paint and graphics, and two new air-conditioning units for enhanced air quality and comfort. These upgrades ensure the pool meets all standards for Division I swimming and diving competitions.

The pool is one of many capital projects recently completed, or nearing completion, this academic year that will enhance the Tulanian experience across the city. River and Lake Residence Halls and the Small Family Collaboration Hub opened a few weeks ago creating living and learning residences that have added 230,000 square feet on the uptown campus. Paul Hall, the new home of the School of Science and Engineering, will open this academic year along the uptown academic quad. On the edge of the uptown campus along Broadway Street, a new TUPD station recently opened serving the Tulane community and neighbors alike. Other significant capital projects, including the university’s expanded footprint on the downtown campus, are ongoing with expected completion dates over the next few years.

“The newly renovated, Olympic-size swimming pool will not only provide aquatic opportunities for our students, faculty/staff and alumni but will serve as the home venue for both the Tulane Water Polo and Swim clubs and the Tulane NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving teams,” Windsor added.

Windsor encouraged Tulanians to explore the new renovation.

“What better way to support well-being and active lifestyles but in the pool,” she said. “So come join us for a splash!”