Fieldhouse pool renovations remain undone

Around the corner from the Cox Communications building lies a University secret. Surrounded by a wire fence, and through a rusted gate and a large locked door, lies what looks like ancient ruins. The Huey P. Long Fieldhouse pool was once deemed a beautiful example of the University's architectural virtuosity. But now waist-high weeds sprout through the bricks and cryptic spray-painted graffiti covers the walls. The boarded up windows give a false impression of security and seem to do little to dissuade vandalism. John Kojis, Facility Services manager, said vandals "constantly tear it to pieces." Plans to begin renovations of the building, which closed in 2002, were abandoned because of Hurricane Katrina. Emmett David, director of the Office of Facility Development and Facility Services, said no changes to the Fieldhouse pool, handball court and locker facilities have been made since The Daily Reveille reported on the building's condition in 2005. "Absolutely nothing has changed," David said. The University previously had between $3 million to $5 million set aside to begin renovations starting on the building's exterior and windows. "We opened bids Aug. 25, 2005," David said. "The hurricane was [Aug. 29], and all funds were reallocated." The Fieldhouse pool is not a high priority on the University's five-year construction plan, David said. "It is No. 15 on the new projects list," he said. Jason Soileau, assistant director of Facility Development, said the funding for renovations of University buildings comes from state or private sectors. "There are priorities on this campus, and funding is limited," Soileau said. "Right now, we have certain buildings at the top of the list." Soileau said the buildings at the top of that list include the French House, Atkinson Hall and the Howe Russell Geoscience Complex. But these buildings also lack funding for renovations. David said the cost to fully renovate the Fieldhouse pool, locker room and handball courts would cost between $15 million and $20 million. Paul Favaloro, director of Facility Services, said the Fieldhouse pool needs major work for it to be a viable recreational facility again. The fate of the Fieldhouse pool remains uncertain. "The future hasn't been written," Favaloro said.

---- Contact Meredith Harper at mharper@lsureveille.com