Fundraising total for new Luther College Aquatics Center has passed the halfway mark

Luther College has raised $750,000 towards the $1 million needed to qualify for a challenge grant for the college's new aquatic center.

David and Patricia Miller, formerly of Cedar Rapids, asked Luther alumni and friends of the college to pledge $1 million in gifts to the aquatic center in order to secure the $500,000 pledged by the Millers.  The aquatic center is projected to cost $5.5 million.  The college has passed the halfway mark in the fundraising campaign.

The new aquatic center will be located on the northeast side of the Regents Center.  The Miller Natatorium will feature a competition pool with eight eight-foot deep lanes and a 14-foot-depth diving area.  The plan also includes a shallow pool for swimming lessons, adaptive physical education classes and water aerobics.  The new aquatic center will also have technologically advanced starting blocks with state-of-the-art timing mechanisms and a larger deck and diving space.

The new aquatic center will also be able to hold 250 spectators, allowing both the Luther College and Decorah High School swim teams to host more and larger competitions. In addition, the larger size should end up allowing for shorter swim team practices and result in more student and public access compared to the current pool.