Could the Rocket Center include a pool?

By Jacquie Humphrey

CCM Correspondent

The Conotton Valley Board of Education discussed re-adding a swimming pool to the design of the eagerly anticipated Rocket Center during the December meeting when members of the community were present.

Swimming pools were removed from the design earlier in the year as concerns about decreased future funding came to light. After additioanl consideration the board is contemplating adding one, multi-function pool to the design of the Rocket Cente, which is under construction.

Phil Gooding, former school board president, addressed the possibility with the board. Gooding said he felt it is difficult to get a true reading as to who will actually utilize a swimming pool but in conversations he has had with community members, he has gotten a very positive response to the idea.

Gooding feels the Rocket Center is an attractive prospect to people who are contemplating moving to the area and, in light of the pandemic, he feels more people are looking to relocate into rural areas.

Gooding told the board if maintenance funding became an issue in the future, the space could always be repurposed into classrooms. Gooding said he applauds their (school board) efforts for taking this project on and believes they are doing a very good job.

Bowerston resident and volunteer fire department member Derek Warner spoke about the possibility of having a swimming pool locally. Warner said he was very excited about the prospect of a swimming pool at the Rocket Center. The Bowerston fire department has a water rescue team and a pool would be an optimal place for the divers to practice.

Warner further said he feels cardio exercise from swimming is very effective and he believes Conotton students, as well as general community members, would benefit from having a pool available.

No action was taken at this time.

In other discussion, Superintendent Todd Herman reported the Conotton Valley area Share-A-Christmas raised in excess of $20,000 this year and thanked school board member Debbie Carrothers for her efforts toward the project. Herman said 30 area families, with 75 children, were assisted.

Herman also discussed tentative dates for having students return to the classrooms. Herman is looking at Jan. 11 for staff to return and bringing students back Jan. 19. Herman noted the situation with COVID-19 is fluid, and firm dates to return to on-campus learning will be released at a later date.