Murray State’s Recreation and Wellness Center reopened its pool after nearly four months of renovation.
On Oct. 22, 2025, Wellness Center staff announced the pool would be closed until further notice pending ongoing renovation. According to a statement by Facilities Management staff, the $110,000 renovation included installing new grates on the pool floor, patching areas in need of repair and re-covering the surface with epoxy paint. The pool reopened on Feb. 10.
“We appreciate the patience of those who utilize the Susan E. Bauernfeind Wellness Center pool,” the statement read. “The pool is an integral part of Wellness Center programming and operations, and is used regularly by both our campus and the broader community.”
The pool’s reopening has come as good news to multiple students, including Li Irvine (they/them), a freshman aquatic biology major and lifeguard at the Wellness Center. Irvine, who started their job only a month before its closing, said they were excited for the reopening and getting to resume their duty as a lifeguard.
“When it was closed, the lifeguards all had to do equipment check out the whole time, which is where you just kind of sit at a desk and give people equipment if they ask for it,” Irvine said. “And that was a lot more boring than being able to switch.”
Irvine said they were not initially given a reason for the pool’s closure, though they could see the draining and resurfacing during their shift. According to Irvine, Murray State President Ron Patterson mentioned that the pool’s renovation was part of an effort to update and improve the Wellness Center during his listening and learning tour.
Allison Jones, a freshman family consumer sciences major, also said she was happy to see the pool reopen. Jones said she wasn’t aware of the pool’s closure until she tried to go once and was upset about it.
“I’m just really glad that it’s open,” Jones said. “I really want to go swimming again, since you can’t because it’s still cold outside.”
Natalie Rhinerson, a senior pre-veterinary major, is another student excited to see the pool reopen. Rhinerson said the pool provides a good form of exercise, which is beneficial to many students. The pool can be easier on your body after heavy training while still strengthening your endurance.
“It’s less impact and less stress on your body,” Rhinerson said. “You’re more just working the movements and working on endurance and stuff, versus weightlifting or running, and then that’s continuous pressure being put on your body.”
After four months of closure, Irvine reminded students visiting the pool again to stay safe in the water.
“Don’t be running on the edges when you’re in the vortex,” Irvine said. “Don’t be roughhousing too much, because the currents are really strong, and you could get cut on like the wall or hit your head.”
