Sandusky sets grand opening for pool

SANDUSKY — Sandusky's aquatic center is set to open just in time for summer. The district will host a grand opening of its aquatic center. It's scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on May 27. Visitors should use the rear parking lot of the high school, 2130 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4), which leads to the new aquatic center entrance. The celebration will include giveaways, while supplies last, and an open house. Pool features include the following: ● An expanded six-lane competition swimming pool ● Accessible spectator seating ● New entrance, lobby and family locker room ● New adult accessibility changing room and table ● Updated athletic locker rooms ● Additional storage spaces The district described the aquatic center as a "milestone for the community" in a press release. It will benefit both the students and residents of the community. The district's swim teams and Swan Club program will use the new pool as a training center, and it will be open to the public for a range of community-based activities, such as for lap swimming, open swimming and aquatic exercise classes. The center's priority will be in water safety education through swim lessons and life-saving certifications. "This project has been a true testament to the power of community collaboration," Sandusky Schools superintendent Dan Rambler said. "We are incredibly grateful to our partners, including the Erie County Health Department, the Sandusky Education Foundation and the city of Sandusky for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions." The Sandusky Education Foundation received a shout-out for its fundraising efforts, which allowed the district to purchase a video scoreboard, underwater sound system and donor recognition murals. Want to go? Who: The community is invited. What: Sandusky Aquatic Center's grand opening When: 5-7 p.m. May 27 Where: Behind Sandusky High School, 2130 Hayes Ave More: Park behind the high school to use the aquatic center's new entrance. There will also be giveaway prizes while supplies last. Making sense of the dollars and cents In late 2024, school district officials reported the aquatic center project totaling $9.3 million. It breaks down with: • $3.8 million — government support with money coming from Sandusky Schools • $3.7 million — money coming from various grants via foundations • $1.3 million — donations from individuals, businesses and corporations • $500,000 — city's grant • $19,000 — miscellaneous Construction costs alone total about $7.5 million. A variety of other expenses make up the $1.8 million balance. Annual operating costs should hover at about $85,000, which similarly compares to present-day aquatic facilities.