Pocono News Section

New Aquatics Center Coming to Marywood University

New Aquatics Center Coming to Marywood University - Friday, April 16, 2010 at 04:10AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday April 16 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Big changes are coming to a college campus in Lackawanna County.

Marywood University broke ground for two big projects Friday morning. The first is a new aquatics center. It will allow Marywood to add two new varsity sports (swimming and diving). The second project involves new student housing.

The new aquatics center has a lot of students talking. It will be built right behind the school's current athletic center.

"It's really exciting for the school. It just is another addition to the great facilities we already have here and it's just gonna enhance athletics as a whole in the entire school and community," junior Meghan Coyle said.

Marywood University already has a swimming pool. It was built in the late 1950s. The new center will have eight-lanes, diving boards and seating for 200 people.

"For me, swimming is a great way to work out," junior Billy Gordon said. "It works every aspect of the body and the pool will definately be beneficial for me to get better at my athletics."

"I heard the pool might be able to be used for some events hosted by student activities. That would be fun," sophomore Tayler Simmons said.

Other students hope the new center brings in new students.

"I think it'll be a good thing because a lot of people are doing sports around here, so it'll probably draw the sports crowd and those that want to get more in shape," freshman Stephanie Coppola said.

In addition to the acquatics center, Marywood officials also broke ground on a new housing complex Friday afternoon. Ten new townhouses will be constructed. When completed, the project will add 80 new beds to the campus.

In recent years, Marywood has committed $25 million to expanding its athletic and recreation program facilities. That is something school leaders are happy about.

"We're thrilled," Marywood president Sister Anne Munley said. "We're thrilled that we can bring this kind of quality through Marywood University's mission to this region of Northeastern Pennsylvania."

The new aquatics center is slated to open as early as this fall.