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Parents and competitive swimmers in Edmond are voicing concerns after air conditioning problems forced schedule changes and pool closures at the Mitch Park YMCA Aquatic Center just days before the state swimming championships.
RELATED: Oklahoma swimmers set to compete in state championships in Jenks
The facility has been closing its pools after noon because of HVAC issues combined with extreme summer heat, leaving swimmers scrambling to find places to train during one of the most important weeks of the season.
Parents concerned about conditions
Concerned parent Charcha Jen said families are worried about the conditions inside the facility.
"We are very concerned about it being unsafe for our kiddos swimming there. We really hope that they address this quickly because it's been going on for too long," said Jen.
News 9 heard from dozens of parents following the closures. While only a handful agreed to speak on camera, many shared similar frustrations, saying air conditioning and ventilation problems have persisted for years.
Jen said the concerns extend beyond summer temperatures.
"Even without it being hot in the summertime, the facilities there may have problems with the ventilation," she said.
Swimmers Feeling the Impact
Parents and coaches say the conditions are affecting athletes who are preparing for major competitions.
Jacqueline McDaniel, president of American Energy Swim Club, said the disruption comes at a critical time.
"They swim twice a day, morning and in the afternoon. And that means that they may not have the stamina or the sort of the lung capacity. Between the heat and swimming in the pool, it is really challenging for them," McDaniel said.
The closure is forcing clubs to cancel practices, relocate workouts and compete for limited lane space at other facilities across the metro area.
YMCA Says Repairs Are Underway
YMCA officials say they are actively working to address the problem.
"We are on top of the situation, right now working to get those repairs taken care of," said Chris Berry with the Edmond District YMCA.
The Mitch Park Aquatic Center is a partnership between the City of Edmond, Edmond Public Schools and the YMCA. City officials said all three organizations are working together on both short-term and long-term solutions.
Officials said repairs are underway and the facility will be reevaluated Aug. 3.
City leaders are also expected to discuss the issue during Monday night's Edmond City Council meeting.
Parents Call for Long-Term Investment
Some families say the current HVAC issues are only part of a larger maintenance problem at the facility.
In a statement provided to News 9, Edmond residents Jeff and Melanie Weaver described the EPS Aquatic Center as a valuable community asset that has experienced years of deferred maintenance.
According to the Weavers, the building's two HVAC units are not fully operational, creating hot and humid conditions that make it difficult to host large summer swim meets. They also cited concerns including cleanliness, malfunctioning deck drains, spectator seating that needs cleaning and visible rust and corrosion throughout the facility.
The Weavers said the issue affects more than just swimmers.
The EPS Aquatic Center is one of only two Olympic-size competition pools in Oklahoma capable of hosting major swim meets. The other is located in Jenks. The facility regularly attracts teams and families from across the state, generating business for local hotels, restaurants and retailers.
"We hope that they would use our dollars to fix this facility, which is a common use facility," Jen said.
The Weavers said they hope city leaders, Edmond Public Schools, the YMCA and other stakeholders work together to develop a long-term solution, calling investment in the aquatic center an investment in Edmond's youth, community and local economy.
