During discussions last year regarding what to do about the city’s crumbling indoor swimming facilities, the lap swimmers of the world—well, at least of the city—seemed to hold their collective breath. With the subsequent decision to remodel Smith Pool, there were many fears that the pool’s closure would overload nearby Crow Pool.
However, early signs suggest that these fears may have been uncalled-for. “There were [complaints] initially, that Smith was going to be closing down,” says Bob Manners, aquatics supervisor for the city Department of Parks and Recreation. “But because we did it, we moved and advertised it far enough in advance that we haven’t had all that many.”
 For now, Crow Pool, seen here, doesn’t seem to suffer from overload after the decision to remodel Smith Pool. But multiple school swimming teams will share the facility come winter. |
During a recent visit to the Crow Pool building, located by Walker Upper Elementary School, the pool was in use, but far from capacity. Employees at Crow Pool haven’t noticed any major changes in usage. “Some of the people from Smith Pool have come here, but it hasn’t been a huge thing,” says Lori Hosecker, a lifeguard.
However, the winter may bring a different story, as multiple school swimming teams will share the facility, making for difficult scheduling. Charlottesville High School’s boys and girls’ squads practice and hold meets at the pool. Officials at Albemarle High School, whose swim team holds two home meets at Crow Pool, say that that school had to adjust the date of a meet to fit with the pool’s schedule.
Those hoping for another pool may not want to hold their breath. Construction is underway for a new facility at the site of the old Smith Pool, but it’s not expected to be completed until fall 2010. Also, a new YMCA fitness and aquatic center is slated to be finished in the summer of 2010.
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