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December 20, 2006

Roof problems force Brown to close swim center

PROVIDENCE -- Brown University announced today that it has closed its swim center indefinitely after engineers discovered structural problems in the building's roof.

"The University decided to close the swim center because we want to ensure the safety of Brown's athletes and members of the local community who use the facility," said Michael Chapman, vice president for public affair and university relations. "Every effort will be made to expedite the inspection and repair process so that the center can reopen as soon as possible."

Potential problems were discovered in the fall as construction crews worked on unrelated locker rooms renovations. Two teams of engineers were called in to inspect the roof. A report released last month identified "potential problems with the roof's structure in the event of heavy snow," according to an announcement released by the university today.

None of the engineers indicated that the swimming facility may be unsafe before snowfall, according to the university. But the swim center's original architect reviewed the engineers' report and "expressed concerns."

The swim center is now closed indefinitely, according to Brown, pending the release of an engineering report early next month.

Fourteen athletic teams, various campus organizations and community groups use Brown pool, according to university officials, who won't make any decisions about schedule changes until the engineers' report is released.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 7:08 PM | Permalink

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