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January 13, 2012

ULM collaborates with YMCA to open natatorium

Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the YMCA have entered into an agreement that will benefit the Lake C. Oxford Natatorium and the community in which it serves.

Effective on Jan. 17, the YMCA and its aquatic staff will assume operational control over the natatorium for an initial term of up to 18 months, pending approval of the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors.

The YMCA will be responsible for establishing community membership rates, hours of operation, programming schedules and special events.

ULM will retain ownership of the natatorium and assist with preventive maintenance, insurance and utility costs.

This unique partnership will rely on regular input from a board comprised of staff and volunteers from both ULM and the YMCA.

The board will monitor operations and make recommendations to the YMCA's board of directors and ULM administration.

ULM administrators and students have discussed with community members during the past several months about how the natatorium might best work for the students and the community.

Student Government Association President Brooke Dugas is pleased with the new collaboration.

"We are very excited to partner with the YMCA to keep the natatorium open while we consider the referendum process to build the new Bayou Park Aquatic Facility. This will be greatly beneficial to both student and community members during this time period," she said.

ULM President Nick J. Bruno expressed his pride in ULM students and how they conducted themselves during the past several months. "Our ULM student leadership conducted themselves with professionalism, courtesy and respect for the many diverse opinions expressed during this process."

YMCA Executive Director Chris Pealer said, "The YMCA is thrilled at this opportunity to offer aquatics programs to the campus and the community. We appreciate the cooperation of ULM and the tremendous support from our community that makes this partnership possible."

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