Greenwich High swimmers plead against GHS pool closure impacting aquatics teams

The March 20, 2025, Board of Education Business Meeting for the Greenwich School District focused heavily on the future of the Greenwich High School (GHS) pool, with multiple speakers expressing concerns about its potential closure and the impact on local aquatics programs.

The meeting began with student athlete Connor, a member of the boys swim and dive team, who voiced strong opposition to the possible closure of the GHS pool. He emphasized the pool's critical role for various teams, including the boys and girls swim and dive teams and water polo teams, noting that it is one of the few competition pools in Fairfield County. Connor highlighted the heavy usage of the facility, which hosts numerous practices and meets, and urged the board to find a solution to avoid disruptions during the competitive seasons.

Following Connor, senior captain Hadden Wood echoed similar sentiments, sharing his personal connection to the pool and its significance to the community. He warned that a long-term shutdown would severely disrupt training schedules and affect athletes' college recruitment opportunities. Wood proposed a phased renovation plan to keep the pool operational while addressing necessary repairs.

James Waters, chairman of the RTM budget overview committee, addressed the board as an individual, urging for a balanced approach to the pool's future. He recommended establishing a special committee to thoroughly review the renovation report and consider stakeholder input before making any decisions. Waters stressed the importance of careful planning to avoid hasty decisions that could negatively impact the successful aquatics programs at GHS.

Terry Lowe, a long-time swimming coach at GHS, expressed frustration that the renovation report was created without consulting coaches. He defended the pool's current condition, stating it is functional and safe, and emphasized the need for ongoing discussions involving coaches to ensure the aquatics programs can continue to thrive during any renovation process.

The meeting highlighted the strong community support for the GHS pool and the potential consequences of its closure. The board is expected to consider the input from these discussions as they plan the next steps for the facility's future.