A new $10.4 million aquatic center has opened at Wauwatosa East High School

Wauwatosa East High School students and community members have a new place to swim now that a new aquatic center has opened.

The Wauwatosa Aquatic Center, inside the high school, opened March 29. The $10.4 million project was paid for with $5.7 million in donations from a pair of Wauwatosa High School alumni, $1.7 million in matching funds from the school district and $3 million from interest income from the district's $124.98 million referendum in 2018.

Construction started in March 2020 and wrapped up in February, according to district Superintendent Phil Ertl.

The facility will be used by Wauwatosa East High School students; the Wauwatosa Recreation Department will coordinate community use.

Alumni John and Tashia Morgridge donated $4 million for the project in May 2019 and then donated an additional $1.7 million in September 2019.

John Morgridge was a member of the 1951 state, suburban and Cardinal Relays champion swim team, according to the district's news release.

The aquatic center includes an eight-lane pool and a diving pool, along with an area for permanent spectator seating. There are also expansive windows to allow for natural light.

"I just think it's just another piece of Wauwatosa School District facilities that is meant for the community, and here we have two people that graciously donated to support that same mission that we have of our facilities are for our community to use and we hope it's used non-stop. ... We're really appreciative of the Morgridges and their donation," Ertl said in a phone interview.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.