On September 12th, Furman students were alerted that their beloved PAC swimming pool would be torn down, filled in, and built into a rock wall.
Initially, this decision caused quite an uproar, despite many Furman students never using said pool, they enjoyed the option of possibly using it the future.
But, that autonomy would be short lived, as according to the University itself, this reinvention will allow for greater opportunities for learning as well as a modern update to campus. The students, however, are outspoken, and they say there is a need for an aquatic option on campus.
So, after nearly 70 years of being prime, untouched real estate, Furman’s Swan Lake is finally being turned into something Furman students can use tangibly. A swimming pool.
The Horse has learned that starting in mid-December, when the PAC will be filling in the old, stupid lap pool, the Furman will begin a multi-stage process to transform the boring, dull lake into a Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool.
This project is estimated to take ten years, cost 504 million dollars, but don’t worry, tuition will be adjusted to accommodate this new facility!
This state-of-the-art pool will include 40 new lap lanes, significantly more than the old pool which boasted an embarrassing seven. It will have both a high and low diving board, and there has even been talk of adding a water slide if some of the budget from landscaping remains.
When asked about the lake’s makeover, Timmy Booth ‘26 said, “that damn eyesore will finally be put to good use” and followed up with being excited to have a new facility option that they will never use.
However, some are not thrilled about this new change, stating that it is not environmentally friendly and destroying critical ecosystems on campus. We reached out to President Elizabeth Davis and her Board of Trustees to investigate the possible environmental impacts of this change, but we were unable to decipher any discernible messages over the sound of a tiny violin playing.
While this decision is controversial, students are in unanimous agreement that our amazing President and Board of Trustees have our best interest at heart, and if that means finally putting an end to all that horrendous natural beauty on campus, then pass the goggles, we’re ALL going for a swim!
