BVU Seeks to Repurpose Finkbine Natatorium in Siebens Fieldhouse
BVU's swimming pool within the Finkbine Natatorium has sat idle since early 2020. The University intends to convert the space to a multipurpose court for BVU students and teams.
Buena Vista University has decided to fill in the pool serving Finkbine Natatorium on campus. In its place, the area will be repurposed for other recreational pursuits to benefit more and more BVU students and student-athletes over time.
“While this is a difficult decision to close the pool, it is the best option for our current and future students as we seek to breathe new life into this area of Siebens Fieldhouse,” says Suzette Radke, BVU Vice President for Finance and Administration. “The swimming pool within Finkbine Natatorium is 50 years old and has outlived its projected lifespan by two decades.”
The pool, which has been out of commission for more than a year, has deficiencies estimated to cost $314,900 to address, a cost estimate that does not include the following needs: upgrade lighting to meet minimal lighting requirements, new wiring, replace ceiling tile, and fix small leaks from cracks in the wall. These tasks represented the start of what would likely have led to a major renovation—one whose cost projections may have exceeded $1 million.
“Recent surveys also reveal a swimming pool on campus isn’t a primary consideration for students... Students weigh factors such as diversity and inclusion, experiential learning, and employment opportunities within their major—all of which remain areas BVU and the Board of Trustees have wisely and strategically dedicated resources as the University seeks to continue growing enrollment.”
Suzette Radke, Vice President of Finance and Administration
“Cost estimates associated with a major renovation were a key factor we considered in making the decision to repurpose the area within Finkbine Natatorium,” Radke says. “BVU hasn’t fielded men’s and women’s varsity swimming and diving teams for 17 years. Daily census reports the past few years have showed minimal use of the pool by members of our student body.”
BVU records also show that fewer than 20 members from the public used the pool for lap swimming on a weekly basis. BVU and Finkbine Natatorium also played host for the Storm Lake High School swimming teams since the inception of their programs.
“All of those factors weighed into this decision, which wasn’t easy by any means,” Radke says. “Recent surveys also reveal a swimming pool on campus isn’t a primary consideration for students who seek a liberal arts education at a small college or university. Students weigh factors such as diversity and inclusion, experiential learning, and employment opportunities within their major—all of which remain areas BVU and the Board of Trustees have wisely and strategically dedicated resources as the University seeks to continue growing enrollment.”
The University plans to share more details regarding the repurposed space once plans develop in the coming months.