Athletes can look forward to training in a world-class pool as the City Sports Office assured the facility at the Athletic Bowl will be opened end of the month.
City Sports Coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales said the city’s Olympic-size pool is ready to accommodate swimmers who may want to use the facility to train in time for the City Sports Meet in December.
“By the end of the month (October) we can start accommodating athletes who will train for the upcoming city sports competition,” Gonzales said.
The facility was closed early this year to allow its rehabilitation, which includes among other things, the installation of a solar heating system.
The pool is now enclosed to maintain the temperature and is equipped with an electronic scoring system. The locker and shower rooms are also now inside the facility.
While the pool is expected to be fully operational by December, Gonzales said it will be used first for the scheduled tournaments and for the athletes who have to train for their upcoming competitions before it is opened for the public.
City Sports Development Officer Paul Rillorta said aside from the lights that are currently being installed, everything is set for the opening of the public pool by the end of October.
The pool, considered as one of the best facilities in the country, will also have a warm up and a diving pool. The two facilities are under construction.
Gonzales said with the improved status of the swimming pool, the rates are expected to increase when the facility finally opens for public use.
The current rate is P50 for walk-in clients while athletes pay P25.
The rehabilitation of the swimming pool is one of the several works being implemented in the overhaul of the Athletic Bowl.
The other facilities, such as the archery range and the tennis courts, are also being improved and lined up for repairs, respectively.
The Tartan tracks was installed in 2016. – Jane B. Cadalig
April 26, 2024
