After months of repairs and disruption, the Midlakes Aquatic Center pool is officially back open—and the community is ready to dive in.
The Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District will celebrate the reopening on Tuesday with a home swim meet and public welcome. The Varsity Girls Swim Team will host Livonia at 5 p.m., and Superintendent Nicholas Ganster will offer remarks.
The pool had been closed for major renovations since February. “We made the best of it,” said Aquatic Director Jack Hauber. “Nothing like this should happen for another 20-plus years.”
The upgrades addressed failing equipment and deteriorating conditions. The Board of Education declared a local emergency to move the work forward, approving up to $2.5 million in repairs. The state will reimburse nearly 88% of the cost over 15 years.
A community centerpiece, not just a school pool
The closure affected far more than school athletics.
Programs for students, the community, and even law enforcement were paused or relocated. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, local scout troops, the YMCA, and the Phelps Community Center all use the pool regularly. PE classes, swim lessons, and lifeguard training were also impacted.
“It meant no morning lap swim, no water aerobics, and no spring swim camp,” Hauber said. “Disappointing children and community members were among the big issues.”
During the closure, student-athletes like State qualifier Ethan Brodman had to travel to other schools to continue training.
What’s new at the pool?
Renovations included resurfacing the entire pool, replacing corroded air-handling systems, installing a new dehumidification unit (hoisted in by crane), and upgrading the filtration system. New starting blocks are also now in place.
Despite the setbacks, the team hit the water strong this season. In their first meet, the Varsity Girls beat Palmyra-Macedon. Mattea Brodman won two events and qualified for Sectionals, while Maeve Jankowski and Ava Erb also earned personal bests and qualifying times.
The community reclaimed some summer swim time, too. From July 14 to August 8, the district offered swim lessons, open swims, water aerobics, and lap swimming.
Event details
What: Midlakes Aquatic Center Reopening
When: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.
Where: Midlakes Aquatic Center
Who: Public welcome — Girls Varsity Swim Team hosts Livonia
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