MARSHALL, Minn. – A renovation of the Southwest Minnesota State University Don Palm Natatorium is currently underway as the 50-year-old facility is currently undergoing major upgrades to keep the swimming & diving facility among the top in the Upper Midwest and NCAA Division II.
 
SMSU is excited to announce The Don Palm Natatorium Renovation Project is currently underway and is looking for continued support of the project.
 
Since 1968, the legendary Don Palm Natatorium has been the home of SMSU men's and women's swimming and diving, academic classes and various aquatic groups including Marshall High School and Southwest Swim Club. Over the years, SMSU's Facilities and Physical Plant Department have done a fantastic job taking care of our athletic facilities; however, time has started to take a toll on our natatorium.
 
"We are looking forward to the improvements that are happening to our natatorium this spring and summer," said Marty Wahle, SMSU's head swimming & diving coach. "As a result, our facility will be one of the top facilities in the NSIC and Division II."
 
Among the upgrades the Don Palm Natatorium is receiving include resurfacing of the pool deck and the bottom of the competition pool and diving well, new gutters and drainage around the perimeter of the competition pool and diving well and top-of-the-line starting block installation.
 
In addition to the current renovations, the SMSU women's swimming and diving program is looking to help secure donations to help fund a new 1-meter diving board, a women's swimming & diving school record board and customized SMSU logos for our starting blocks.
 
"The addition of our school record board will show the tremendous work our student-athletes have accomplished over the seasons," Wahle said. "The starting blocks will be some of the best around along with the surface area of the platform. A new 1-meter board will also allow us to host more competitions as well."
 
Donations will help put the finishing touches on the renovation project and will continue to make Don Palm Natatorium one of the nicest aquatic facilities in the region.
 
Individuals or businesses interested in donating to this project can click HERE. For more information on the project please contact Marty Wahle at Marty.Wahle@smsu.edu or 507-537-7097.