The Natatorium, located near Ahearn Fieldhouse and Memorial Stadium, will close completely in the next three years due to its fiscal inviability.
According to a press release, the indoor pool facility needs about $4 million in repairs and renovations identified in a 2018 review of the facility. On top of the $150,000 to $200,000 in extra utility costs to Kansas State annually, it is too cost-burdensome.
“It’s just no longer fiscally viable or safe for the university to continue its use,” Jeff Morris, vice president for communications and marketing, said in the press release.
Commonly referred to as the Nat, the space has been operational since 1975 and is home to the K-State Swim Club as well as the Manhattan Marlins Swim Club. It’s also used by UFM, the USD 383 school district and people with K-State Natatorium Recreational Services memberships.
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The Natatorium will also be closed for the fall 2020 semester due to improper ventilation standards required of campus spaces for COVID-19 prevention. Usage of the space in the spring semester remains uncertain.
