Olympic-sized pool opening in Zuni this summer

The newly renovated pool at the Zuni Intermediate School is full 0lympic-sized and will be available for everyone to use without charge. (Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent)

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Federal and state funding has turned a once-dilapidated swimming pool and gym into a new health initiative for the Pueblo of Zuni.

The tribe, under its Zuni Healthy Lifestyle's program, has partnered up with Zuni Public School District to invest close to $4 million in a remodeling project of an old community center acquired by the school in the 1980s.

The pool and gym had formerly been used as storage for the district.

"It was in pretty bad condition," said David Maestas, director of operations for Zuni Public School.

The school district submitted an application for state assistance under New Mexico's capital outlay fund and received nearly $2 million.

"It gave us the opportunity to renovate a beautiful pool," Maestas said. "It was sad to see it in the state it was."

Zuni Healthy Lifestyles then obtained a federal grant to operate the pool for the next five years.

"It's free and exciting," said Ruby Wolf, director of Zuni Healthy Lifestyles.

The pool program, referred to as DIPS Dive Into Prevention Strategies will be open to the community and cost swimmers nothing.

Wolf said the swimming pool will encourage families to spend quality time together through different programs DIPS plans to offer.

"Children have to be healthy and have to be happy in order for them to get quality education," Wolf said.

The school, she said, addresses the nutritional side with its breakfast, lunch, and snack program and now will be able to address the physical side with another option for healthy activity.

"This will play a major role in addressing (health issues in the community)," Maestas said.

State and federal support, Wolf said, put the Zuni Tribe on the "cutting edge."

"They've invested the rare dollar into what they believe will benefit the community as a whole," she said.

The Olympic-size swimming pool, with its seven lanes, diving boards, and 12-foot depth, will be open in time for summer.

Wolf said the next step is hiring employees.

"Swimming has many health benefits," Wolf said. "We're hoping all the programs we offer brings about healthier lifestyles for the community."

— To contact reporter Pam Dempsey call (505) 879-1707 or email pamelagdempsey@msn.com