Kansas State University has announced a permanent closure of its indoor swimming facility at the Natatorium due to ongoing ventilation and maintenance issues. The pool was closed last March due to pandemic-related ventilation issues. The university says ongoing maintenance concerns have created a $4 million backlog in needed repairs, which the university cannot afford to fund. The pool is classified as a recreation facility and is not eligible for Education Building Funds, which is the state funding source used to maintain campus buildings. University officials are engaging with a Manhattan community group involving representatives from the city, USD 383 Manhattan/Ogden Schools and the Marlins swim club, as well as others to explore other possibilities for an indoor pool in the community.