K-State’s Natatorium will be closed through the fall 2020 semester, citing ventilation issues.
The university announced it will also begin plans to close the aging facility permanently within three years. The on-campus indoor swimming facility was closed in March when K-State went into limited operations. A decision on its use during the spring semester will be announced later.
Opened in 1975, the Natatorium is operated by K-State Facilities and used by students, faculty, staff as well as the UFM Community Learning Center, USD 383 and the Manhattan Marlins swim club. Refunds will be given to those who purchased recreational services memberships. Arrangements have been made for the Global Campus/UFM Scuba class to move to Junction City. UFM community swim classes are canceled for the fall.
A 2018 engineering study identified about $4 million in needed repairs to the facility. The university has determined it is no longer fiscally viable or safe for the university to continue its use.
