Larry Kline
Havre Daily News
lkline@havredailynews.com
The Montana State University-Northern pool will not reopen until after July 1, when new budget funds become available, a school official said Tuesday.
The college is working with the Havre Parks and Recreation Department, which will accommodate residents who want to take swim lessons. A Northern lifeguard training class also will be held at the Havre Community Pool.
MSU-N student activities director Denise Brewer said the pool was closed last week when the circulation pump failed.
Northern athletic director Dave Gantt today said the school must make about $7,900 in repairs before the pool can open. Workers will begin making repairs after the school's next fiscal year begins on July 1, he said.
Gantt and Brewer said Northern has spent about $75,000 to operate and maintain the pool so far this fiscal year. Workers replaced the pool's chlorinator, and a part had to be specially made when the boiler that heats the pool went down in February, Brewer said.
“We've had some pretty serious problems with it,” she said.
Havre parks and recreation director Chris Inman said the city will add sessions to accommodate swimmers who want to take lessons. Residents may sign up for lessons and other recreation programs beginning May 30.
The university remodeled the pool in 1993.
In 2004, school officials met with students to quell rumors of the pool's impending closure. The pool then cost about $60,000 per year to operate and maintain, officials said.
