In a few short weeks, Milby High School students will be able to make a big splash as the school’s new natatorium and four-lane practice pool nears completion.
The natatorium, which is 98 percent complete, features large garage-style overhead coiling doors that open to allow fresh air inside, with fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter.
Remaining work includes installation of the gas meter, fencing, timing system, access control, vestibule doors, emergency phone, roof edge, gutter, and downspouts.
“We are extremely excited to have Milby’s pool back and fully accessible to our students on campus,” Milby Principal Ruth Ruiz said. “Our East End community is proud to continue our legacy of creating district swim champs. Our team is anxious to begin training hard again to keep our legacy strong.”
Part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program, Milby’s new $68.8 million campus opened in 2017 and features two new academic wings that house science and engineering labs, CTE spaces for welding, cosmetology, printing, and culinary arts.
Other features include a new secure main entrance and administrative offices, an auditorium with a black box theater, a large dining common area, an outdoor courtyard, and new gymnasium, dance room and locker rooms.
The natatorium is a realignment project — a new, board-approved project that was not a part of the original scope of work but is funded by surplus 2012 Bond Program funds. Natatoriums are also being added to Yates and Booker T. Washington high schools. Both are realignment projects and expected to be completed later this spring.
Once complete, the pool at Milby will be used by the school swim team. Nine team members — Natalie Gallardo, Gisselle Pacheco, Jimena Escamilla, Isela Garcia, Jordan Kittleson, Emmanuel Lopez, Richard Garcia, Oscar Mayorga, and Christian Santos — will represent the school at an upcoming regional competition. The team has qualified for the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay. Mayorga will also compete in the individual 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard freestyle races.
Milby is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, across the district that are being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Roughly 89 percent of all school construction is complete, and HISD soon will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.
Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.