Exterior beams going up at new aquatic center. Courtesy photo
Students have been waiting on the arrival of the new Natatorium and Intramural Center for several years.
Those in the community have requested answers concerning the progress of the new gymnasium and aquatic facility.
When the $8.5 million intramural center and aquatics facility was announced in 2018 the expected completion date was Fall 2019. However, the university administration has indicated that may be pushed back now.
Grambling State University President Richard Gallot said in a forum with students last month that the reasons for delays in construction are multifold.
“The delays we are (experiencing) when it comes to the process of the schools new facility are due to weather as well as government funding,” Gallot said.
Many students feel as though they have been waiting for many years for the building to be completed. Meanwhile, the only option for students to work out is in the Men’s Gymnasium.
Terry Lilly, the director of the building and head coach for the cheerleading team, said while many students expect things to happen quickly the university must follow protocol in order to get such large project completed appropriately.
Lilly said he is encouraged by the progress on the building and is looking forward to its completion.
“(Students) will get to experience things a lot of students in the past weren’t able to do which is enjoy learning how to swim and also having many student events that will involve the pool,” Lilly said. “We also will be adding on the basketball courts as well as a new facilitated workout room with better equipment than the old intramural center.”
Lilly said he is happy that students have been overwhelmingly patient during the construction process.
“I’m very excited the way the students have coped so far with us having to move out the old intramural into the men’s gym,” lilly said. “It’s not that much space like we used to have, but I can truly say that the students are appreciative of the things that are happening on campus.”
Lilly said he sees big things coming to Grambling’s campus. He has been a part of Grambling State University since 1986.
“Many people have come and gone over the years here and I can say that I have really seen the university achieve and accomplish a lot,” Lilly said.