Marina

Baylor's 30-year-old marina pool, located on University Parks Drive next to the Brazos River, reopened to students and staff in January after a 14-month renovation. The competition-sized pool features a one-meter springboard, six lap lanes and a new clamshell covering with removable side panels. 
The renovation also includes a new pool house with locker rooms, a classroom and a snack bar. Surrounding the pool are a sunbathing deck that overlooks the Brazos, sand volleyball court and barbeque grills. 
"An important benefit of the clamshell is its ability to block direct sunlight from those in the pool," said Kim Scott, director of campus recreation. "We wanted people who are at a high risk of skin cancer to be able to enjoy the pool."
A major function of the new complex is to serve health, human performance and recreation classes and athletic and club teams. In addition to pool use, these groups can use the marina classroom for meetings. Adaptive physical education classes regularly conduct training in the pool. 
"One of our purposes is to serve those students who want to enjoy a normal college experience but can't because of physical challenges," Scott said. "Luckily, we have the equipment to do that for them. Our lifeguards are trained to assist them in the pool."
Originally built on a landfill, the pool's foundation had eroded. Construction crews demolished everything except the pool itself and the 18-inch concrete skirt surrounding it. The initial eight months of renovation was primarily replacing the landfill with select fill soil. 
Renovation of the marina pool was part of the overall student life complex project, which began in 1995. The $20 million project also included construction of the McLane Student Life Center, intramural fields, Baylor Tennis Center and the Betty Lou Mays Field for soccer. Improvements to the pool cost $2.1 million.
The pool is open to students, faculty and staff with a valid Baylor ID. Student groups can reserve the pool for private functions.