The fate of the diving board at New Richmond High School’s swimming pool could be decided at the October Board of Education meeting.
In May, the district was ordered to discontinue the use of the diving board until it’s repaired. A structural engineer reviewed the damage caused by years of water infiltration and rust. The estimated repair cost is about $50,000.
Members of the Board’s Facilities Committee, including Board Vice President Robert Wooten and Board Member Tim Dufau, reviewed the engineer’s report and inspected the damaged area. They said the decision was difficult but recommended that the diving board be permanently removed, calling it more of a want than a need.
The district doesn’t have a dive team and diving is not taught as part of gym classes, Mr. Wooten said. Community swim lessons offered at the high school have used the diving board in the past to teach diving, but diving can continue to be taught without the board.
Given the findings, it’s difficult to justify the nearly $50,000 cost, Mr. Wooten explained.
The Board delayed taking action at its September meeting to provide time for all Board members to review the engineering report and inspect the damaged diving board.