Although second semester started yesterday, much of the attention and excitement around the community came today as a result of one of Pattonville’s new sporting venues. Since the pool has finally been completed, the ribbon cutting ceremony was held today.

In the ceremony, which started at 6:30 p.m., superintendent Mike Fulton gave a brief history of Pattonville swimming and accomplishments. Principal Joe Dobrinic followed up by speaking about the pool’s current and future significance to the Pattonville community.

The pool features 11 swimming lanes and is measures up to 25 yards by 25 meters. The pool has more aspects to it that allow safer practicing of both swimming and diving.

Funded by the passing of Proposition K in 2010, the pool was originally expected to be accessible at the beginning of this school year. The final touches were instead made during winter break, which resulted in a loss for the whole Boys’ swimming season, and about half of the Girls’ swimming season.

Finally, more than a year after construction around the high school, the pool is available for both of the swimming teams and the new spring sport water polo. The Girls’ swim team, currently in the midst of their season, plan to use it for practices, meets, and competitions, while others will take advantage of it in the near future.

NOTE: Check out more about the pool opening through this video! Photos will come up later!