Silver Creek welcomes district swimming pool

In April 2020, the St. Vrain Valley School Board authorized an architect design contract for an eight-lane swimming pool to be added onto Silver Creek High School. Nearly a year later, construction is set to begin in February and is expected to be completed in the fall.

"People are excited about it," said Silver Creek Athletic Director Patrick DeCamillis. "I think it's a win for the community for sure, not just Silver Creek, but the St. Vrain community and Longmont in general."

Up next on the agenda is selecting a name for the pool. The school board on Jan. 20 proposed a plan to let its schools offer a name and allow community members voice their opinion as well. DeCamillies hopes for a name that will celebrate the school district and his home school.

For swim programs in the district, the new facility will also help relieve the crowded Centennial Swimming Pool in east Longmont. It's not finalized as to which schools will practice at Silver Creek, but DeCamillis expects at least Niwot to join them. The new facility will host swim meets with room for bleachers and a diving well.

"It's great for St. Vrain schools, because we get to add our own facility and not only build on Silver Creek, but build on the swimming programs within the district," DeCamillis said.

In addition to benefiting local swim teams, DeCamillis said that Silver Creek will offer an aquatics curriculum and lifeguard training. He also expects the pool to be available for community use in some form.

SVVSD has put significant effort into improving its athletic facilities in recent months. New football field lights were installed at Silver Creek, Niwot and Skyline High School in September and both Silver Creek and Niwot have received weight room improvements.

The 2021 Niwot girls swim season will begin on Jan. 28 with a meet at Mountain View High School.