The Shirk Center Fort Natatorium
Fort Natatorium is home to the IWU men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. The $3 million Fort Natatorium was opened in February 1988, named in honor of Illinois Wesleyan University benefactors and alumni James Madison Fort and his children, Arthur C. Fort and Clara E. Fort. In 1866, James Fort attended IWU's preparatory school and developed a life-long love for his alma mater. Judge Arthur C. Fort was a member of the class of 1897 while Clara Fort was a member of the class of 1903. In addition to an L-shaped, eight-lane, 25-yard swimming pool, the Natatorium provides indirect lighting, an above- and below-surface sound system, dehumidified air and Tarn Pure (non chlorine) purified water. Other features include ceramic tile, waveless gutters, full Colorado IV timing system with an 11-line scoreboard, wall mounted surgical tubing for dryland training, in-deck water polo goals, a wet classroom with audio-visual equipment, and seating for 250 spectators.
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