Student union pool receives facelift

By John Caldwell
Daily-Forty-Niner

Jackhammers echoed through the University Student Union as workers ripped up the concrete in and around its seldom-used swimming pool last week.

"We decided to do a little study and see what needed to be done," said Ed Claxton, student union building superintendent. "It went from being a little job to a significant overhaul."

The student union was built in 1972 and the pool has not been renovated since. Ground movement has created cracks in the deck around the pool and the old plaster inside looks faded and worn, Claxton said. Steel furniture on the deck was often tossed into the pool by pranksters where it gouged the bottom and discolored the interior with rust.

The $20,000 project is being funded by the student union budget reserves and is scheduled to be completed in early December. The renovation will include new steps and handrails compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. New lighting, pool skimmers and deck coping will compliment the new deck and pool surfaces.

A recent addition to the project will be the introduction of the Cal State Long Beach logo. "The Beach" will cover one-third of the bottom of the pool with non-slip ceramic tile in the standard script-style lettering.

The idea was presented by Associated Students Inc. President Robert Garcia, who saw an opportunity in the renovation to boost school pride with the logo that will be clearly visible from the high-traffic balcony that surrounds the pool. Garcia was quick to dispel any rumors that the renovation had anything to do with the logo.

"The refurbishment was scheduled before I was in office," Garcia said. "In no way did we start the renovation to put the logo in there."

Despite its existence as a free resource to CSULB students, the student union pool sees very little activity outside of a few warm weeks in the summer. Many students complain that the large balcony overhanging two sides of the pool discourages them from lying out because people will stare from above.

"The introduction of the food venues caused a reduction in the use of the pool," Claxton said. Students using the pool area to eat has dissuaded others from using the pool to swim, he said.

The pool can be used by any student who possesses an I.D. card and can be reserved for parties and other events. Cabanas alongside the pool provide a place to change into swimwear, and deck furniture can be used for lounging, eating or studying.

Another addition to the student union will be a Round Table Pizza that should be in place by the end of the year, Claxton said. The venue will be located just inside from the pool area and a large Round Table logo will hang along the balcony above the pool.

Andres Cardenas/Daily Forty-Niner

The University Student Union pool under construction.

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