While many feel there is a strong need for a new aquatic center on campus, the issue of where to put the building has become controversial.

There are three proposed sites: in the field across from the Regents Center, on the corner of Pool Street and Center Street (across from the Decorah Municipal Pool) and on the southwest corner of Anderson Prairie (across from college apartments).

The prairie site is the most controversial location stirring the debate, yet it also looks to be the leading proposed site.

Environmental concerns have been raised in opposition to this proposal because Anderson Prairie is a natural space that some feel should be protected, especially because it is used for research and coursework by the biology department.

“Since it would be right there, across the street from the college, it would create an image that would not look consistent with the college’s mission of going green,” said Tex Sordahl, professor of biology.

Sordahl fears the building would create additional sound and light pollution over the prairie that would affect the wildlife there and increase Luther’s ecological footprint.

“It is a symptom of our culture that undeveloped land gets developed,” he said. “I resist that, being a field biologist.”

Sordahl also explained that a building constructed on the prairie would affect the sightlines around campus and alter the landscape of the prairie.

“Putting up vertical structures like buildings in or bordering a prairie changes the character of the prairie because these are inherently two-dimensional environments,” he said.

On the other hand, the ecological impact of the building is not the only side of the argument.

“If we really were going to be pure, we would never build anything again,” said President Richard Torgerson. “That’s just not possible.”

Sordahl understands that Anderson Prairie is not a virgin prairie that has never been developed before, so there is not as much of a moral obligation to preserving it.

“Growth and development go hand in hand, and as far as I know, there is no mechanism whereby college property can be protected indefinitely,” said Sordahl.

Torgerson explained the proposed aquatic center would not only be for Luther use. It would be in large part for the Decorah community to use as well. A space that would be convenient for the Luther community, yet clearly a part of the Decorah community would be ideal.

“The high school and Decorah community need a new aquatic center,” said Torgerson. “Let’s find a way to collaborate on this.”

A positive for those in opposition to the construction on Anderson Prairie is that the new building’s necessary parking space will not be on Anderson Prairie, but across College Drive where there is already a parking lot.

Another concern is how expensive this aquatic center will be and where funding will come from.

“We don’t know what the cost is going to be yet, but there will have to be some private money raised and some bonding,” said Torgerson.

Along with the aquatic center, a community center and recreational space is also a project under consideration for Decorah.

“A potential location has been identified for a community center and recreational space … close to downtown, close to the schools and close to the new bike trail, ” said Torgerson.