With the opening of the new Worthington Natatorium 50 years after the completion of the previous one, athletes and Worthington residents alike are beginning to experience the new community space. After only being open for four months, it will be shut down at the end of the high school swim season. The pool will have the gutter system re-aligned and its seating sections redone to accommodate the poor visibility. Natatorium staff members like Will Barnes(‘25), who is a supervisor, help manage the day-to-day operations of the pool. For staff members like Barnes, preparation for the move required time and organization.
“We had to plan on what we were throwing away and what we were bringing into the new natatorium,” said Barnes.
Nine-year head swim coach, Keeler Callahan, also had to prepare for the new Natatorium. Keeler had to learn the logistics for the new pool and organize practice groups.
“I looked back at old schedules we did in the old pool and talked to other coaches in the area,” said Callahan. “Then make schedules and adjustments and repeat that process a bunch of times”.
From an athlete’s point of view, the new Natatorium allows for easier access to the pool and equipment with a new storage system.
“I really like how easy it is to grab my gear, but the new locker room is too cramped for the entire team to get changed all at once,” said junior Patrick Cline, a member of both the Boys Water Polo and swim teams.
Although the new natatorium is larger and more modern, Will explained that some daily tasks have become more difficult.
“It’s pretty much the same procedure to set up the pool, but all the equipment needed isn’t as close as the old nat, so overall harder in the new,” said Barnes.
With a new facility, old traditions and habits have to change. This became apparent with the swim team’s meets that took place at the beginning of the season. Head coach Callahan had to ensure spectators and athletes alike had enough room to sit.
“We needed to change what we’re doing every time we come into a new meet, such as moving seating arrangements so we could comply with fire regulations and ticket sales, compared to the old pool with had 50+ years of knowing what to do/where to go,” said Callahan
In addition to logistical challenges, early construction issues have caused concern for staff.
“The biggest concern is that construction missed a few fine details,” said Barnes. “For example, the pool level isn’t even, the tiles are stained and dirty, the pull-up bar wasn’t installed correctly—construction issues.”
Despite these concerns, swimmers have begun adjusting to the new pool and noticing clear differences from the old natatorium.
“I really like the size of the new pool because it opens up new opportunities for me to become acquainted with my teammates and friends,” said Cline.
Head Coach Keeler Callahan likes how the entire team can now practice together in the new pool due to the increased size. Thus allowing for the team to spend more time together.
“Best part is having a more connected team between JV and varsity, compared to years past when they were almost separate the whole season,” said Callahan.
