Team Andersen pool to get facelift

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The base pool reopened here March 9, but it won't remain open for long. 

During a town hall meeting held at the base theater Feb. 27, Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, announced the pool's new hours of operations and the base's plans for renovating the pool. 

Andersen's base pool reopened March 9 with adjusted hours of operation. Mondays and Wednesdays the pool is open for adult lap swimming from 6 to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. and for swim team practice from 3:30 to 6 p.m. On Fridays adult lap swimming is available from 6 to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon and open recreational swimming is from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays open recreational swimming is from noon to 6 p.m. The pool is closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 

General Ruhlman said the pool will close in the late summer to accommodate a $2 million renovation project. The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron has drawn up designs for the base pool, and is putting them through the approval process. 

"The pool will undergo a massive overhaul according to the plans we have drawn up so far," said Capt. Joseph Gamez, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of base construction. "We have drawn up two plans for the base pool renovation and are leaning towards one for use on the project." 

The base pool construction contract has yet to be awarded. The architect company, Thomas J. Davis Architects, Engineers, Planners and Consultants is currently adding finishing touches to the plans. 

Once the pool architectural plans are finalized and the contract has been awarded, the construction will begin. 

The $2 million contract will provide upgraded filters, electrical systems, deck surfacing and space, equipment, lifeguard stands, latrine and dressing areas and an expanded picnic area by the pool, making the pool like new when finished, according to Captain Gamez.

"I'm really looking forward to the renovation construction," he added. "I like the fact that I helped to contribute to a key family attribute of the base, that will be here and in use after I've moved on to another base." 

Team Andersen members and their families are also excited about the upcoming renovations to the pool. 

"I can't wait to see the pool after it's renovated," said Airman 1st Class Tasha Durazo, 734th Air Mobility Squadron passenger terminal agent. "I'm really looking forward to a better environment to go swimming in." 

Military dependant Theresa Hamblen, wife of Staff Sgt. Matthew Hamblen, 734th AMS passenger terminal agent, added her enthusiasm about the renovation project. 

"I'm really excited about the pool being renovated because my kids are really excited about it," she said. "The kids are always speculating about what the 'new pool' will have when it's done." 

For more information about the base pool renovation project, call 366-4987.