USD celebrating opening of state-of-the-art wellness aquatics center
New facility, open to the public, includes Olympic-sized competition pool, obstacle course
The University of South Dakota will host a grand opening for its Wellness Center Natatorium next week, celebrating an expansion of aquatics and recreation for USD and the greater Vermillion community.
The Wellness Center Natatorium added about 45,800 square feet to the school’s existing Wellness Center. The facility includes an Olympic-sized competition pool, along with seating for 400 to watch swimming and diving competitions.
The pool features two moveable bulkheads allowing the pool to be divided into three separate zones so that three unique activities can take place at the same time.
The Natatorium also includes an activity pool, a Ninja Cross aquatic obstacle course, multipurpose room, a hot tub with room for 25 people, steam room, athletic locker rooms, expanded wellness locker rooms, meet management room, coaches’ offices and lifeguard room.
Besides offering space for large competitions and public swimming classes, the facility will have water fitness and wellness for all age groups.
“The Wellness Center Natatorium is an incredible addition for USD students and student athletes, as well as the Vermillion community,” USD President Sheila K. Gestring said in a release. “The natatorium offers opportunities to host events that will bring people from USD, Vermillion and surrounding communities together. We are grateful to the city of Vermillion for their support of the Wellness Center expansion project.”
The grand opening comes two years after the project’s groundbreaking. Its $31.25 million price tag included $1 million from the city of Vermillion, which pledged the money in October of 2022.
“We as a community are fortunate to have a welcoming university to allow access to a state-of-the-art facility,” Vermillion Mayor Jon Cole said at the time. “When the university grows and thrives, Vermillion grows and thrives as well. I’m looking forward to continued collaborative efforts to help our community grow.”
The public is invited to the grand opening and ribbon cutting. The event starts Tuesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at the Wellness Center Natatorium.
