The Ada Cooper Miller Natatorium located in East Woods Elementary School is close to reopening as a new facility, following extensive renovations that have been underway for most of the year.



Construction began in March and is expected to conclude by Dec. 31. This $3.2 million project is being worked on with Engelke Construction Co. as the general contractor and is part of the school district’s master facilities plan made possible by passage of a $81.5 million, 4.97-mill bond issue in 2017.



While a little over half of that money is going toward construction of a new middle school, the remainder was earmarked for other construction. That includes the natatorium, which is used by Hudson High School Swimming and Diving teams, for student swimming lessons as part of the fourth- and fifth-grade physical education program, Safety Town swimming lessons, community public swim sessions, and the HEAT youth swimming program through HCER.



According to a profile by HCTV, Ada Cooper Miller was a crucial part of the Hudson community since she moved here from England in 1903. She worked at her family business, "Cooper’s Flowers," and was also a member of the Board of Education for 40 years. Because of her strong dedication to Hudson, the natatorium was named after her.



Director of HCER Meredith Zaffrann and school Business Operations Manager Steve Marlow, said additional pool deck space was needed along with more spectator seating, and the electrical, mechanical and pool filtration systems were in need of updating.



Thus far, the high school swim team locker rooms have undergone major renovations with new ceilings, flooring, paint, and lockers. A new roof for the pool that will lengthen the life of the building has also been installed. There have also been electrical and mechanical upgrades, and exterior work on the natatorium is nearly complete. Large windows have been installed on the north and west sides of the building to bring in more natural light, as well as light tubes in the ceiling.



While much progress has been made, there is still work left: a new scoreboard and sound system will be added, along with acoustical treatments to help with sound reverberations, and a new interior paint job will be done as well.



An entrance vestibule is also being added to the west side of the building, and there is still work left to do on the pool filtration system.



Since renovation began, those used to using the facility have had to find other places to swim.



Zaffron and HEAT coach Matt Davis have worked closely with Western Reserve Academy, University of Akron, LifeCenter Plus and the Twinsburg Recreation Center to make sure the swimmers have the training time they need.



The high school team will practice at the University of Akron, Kent Roosevelt High School and Twinsburg Recreation for the first half of their season. East Woods physical education classes will resume in January.



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