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Bristol Pool
Hamilton’s swimming & diving teams compete in the William M. Bristol, Jr. Pool. The facility was constructed in 1988 and named for William M. Bristol, Jr. ’17, Alumni Association president, longtime trustee and a fourth-generation Hamiltonian in recognition of his long and continuing service to Hamilton athletics. Bristol’s leadership was a key factor in the building of the Alumni Gymnasium and Swimming Pool in 1939.
The pool went through a $12.8 million renovation from March 2022 to February 2023. The renovation included a total roof replacement as well as several major pool enhancements such as a new filtration system, water chemistry and control system, surge tank, lighting, bulkhead, scoreboard, and sound and timing systems. Amenities such as new diving boards, lane lines, starting blocks, record boards, and a diving harness for training were also among the facility equipment upgrades.
Accessibility and sustainability were also among the top priorities for the project. A new accessible entrance on the exterior of the pool and a ramp to get into the pool from the exterior were added. The previous portable chair lift to help those with disabilities get into the pool was replaced by two ADA-compliant chair lifts. The lounge area received improvements such as added railings and improved ventilation.
In addition to the roof meeting new energy code standards, additional upgrades were made to equipment and systems so that they would be more energy efficient and provide better service, while all pool lighting was upgraded to LED lighting.
Named features of the Bristol Pool
Reception Area (benefactor: Robert & Rachel Steinberg,; named for Stephen P. Steinberg ’66)
Seating Area (named for Albert Ira Perryman)
Starting Blocks (benefactor: Henry B. & Harry L. Godshall; named for Harry L. Godshall, Jr. ’39)
Pool Deck (benefactor: Jane Fraser, named for Caryle Fraser ’17 & Malcolm H. Fraser ’24)
Record Board (benefactor: Jeffrey D. Buchanan ’65; named for Russell E. Newkirk ’39)
Scoreboard (Senior Gift of Hamilton’s Class of 1989)
Filtration Room (named for Ward W. Olney ’57)
Diving Boards (benefactor: Eric Mac Donald; named for Robert S. Ludwig ’72)
Pool Heating Room (named for Donald Gingras ’50)
Equipment Storage Area (named for Bruce Douglas McDevitt ’75)
Balcony (benefactors: Tracy L. Smith ’86, Christopher M. ’88 and Wendy W. Smith ’91; named for Mr. & Mrs. H. William Smith, Jr.)
Coaches’ Office (benefactor: Donald R. Kendall, Jr. ’74; named for A. Warren Dayton ’27)
Mechanical Room (named for James Kent, Jr. ’46)
Rotunda (named for Maurice S. Ireland '26)
