Fifty meters long. Twenty-five meters wide. Olympic size. It is the largest pool out of all the schools. Principal Georgette Torres cut the flags opening the new pool on March 27.

   The grand total for the 40,000 square foot aquatics complex ended up being around $6.2 million. The money came from Proposition U and Proposition H as well as tax payers in the community.

   “[This pool] is a real source of pride,” Superintendent Ralf Swenson said. “The kids in our community are getting a positive message by” the making of this pool. The pool is not only to be used by the aquatics teams and P.E. classes, but also by other aquatics groups in the community that are in need of a pool.

   Overlooking the pool is a giant screen that portrayed pictures of past aquatics teams at the ceremony. The pool’s deepness ranged from 3 feet 6 inches to 13 feet. They also provided a handicap accessible means of getting into the pool.

   The pool is heated by solar panels that are layered on top of an overhang that provides shade for fans sitting on the bleachers. Speakers are set up on either side of the bleacher so that all commentary can be heard.

   A snack bar was also provided to raise funds during games or meets. The bathrooms were placed near the back of the pool so that they can be accessible by the tennis and baseball players as well. 

   A wide open room was made so the team could have meetings inside. The locker room was more of a storage room where the kids will be able to store their belongings while they are in the pool.

   “[This pool will] keep our kids healthy and keep them out of trouble,” San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs said. “The driving force [of this pool] is your Principal, Georgette Torres.”

   Torres began the ceremony with a speech, thanking everyone involved in making the pool. After 51 years, Granite Hills finally has a pool for “our community and our kids,” according to Torres.

   Soon after ASB president Brooke Conway (12) gave a speech on behalf of the student body, thanking the construction workers, tax payers, and voters who voted for Proposition U and Proposition H.

   Superintendents Jacobs and Swenson gave their speeches.

   Then, swim coach Jake Geir gave his speech. He thanked everyone involved and had them stand before the crowd.

   Afterwards, Ronnie Meyer (12) gave her speech saying this pool “fills past, present, and future kids with pride.”

   Kevin Levine (13) gave his speech saying he was glad to finally be practicing in a proper size pool opposed to the 25 yard pool they has to practice in before.

   The swimmers agree that they are glad to finally have their own pool. Marissa Lomax (14) is glad their pool looks as good as the swimmers do.

   Torres explained that the only problem they had was not having enough money. That problem was fixed with bond measures that made sure every school has a pool; however Granite Hills had to raise more money to get a 50 meter pool opposed to the 25 meter pools Steele Canyon and West Hills got.

   The original design that was laid out for the pool was not perfect for Torres. To make the aquatics complex sparkle, she brought in some of the left over blue tiles from the science buildings to show school sprit.

   After the commotion of the ribbon cutting, Torres and the swim coaches all jumped in the pool, jeans and all. The swimmers followed after and jumped in the pool for the first time. Their practice began immediately after the ceremony.

   The pool will be open during the summer with the supervision of Lindsey Emerson, who is maintaining all pool activities for the new pools