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The Brandeis board of trustees voted Thursday evening to renovate the Linsey Pool in a project that will cost between $3 to $3.5 million. The Board also approved a $6 million upgrade to the campus technology network.

The pool has been closed since 2008, at which point the university suspended its swimming and diving teams. With the renovations, the teams will reopen for the 2012-2013 academic year and coaches will begin recruiting this summer.

The pool renovations will begin this spring, which include updates to the mechanical and electrical infrastructure, pool repairs and a renovated pool deck. The project also includes plans to build a new entrance, renovate the lobby and create new locker rooms, Senior Vice President for Administration Mark Collins said.

“We are thrilled that the pool will be re-opening,” Director of Athletics Sheryl Sousa said in a university press release. “We will be able to offer varsity swimming and diving again and an array of recreational programming such as open swim hours, fitness classes, intramural and club sport activity.”

“We recognize its importance to students, alumni and other members of our community. The board’s action signals a positive step forward for Brandeis,” Keenyn McFarlane, vice president for enrollment, said in the press release.

The board’s decision to approve the funding comes after students, including swimmers, and alumni advocated to both former university President Jehuda Reinharz and current President Fred Lawrence that a pool was a major priority for the Brandeis community.

The decision to also renovate the campus wireless network comes after increased usage created constant problems, with more than 30,000 wireless devices connecting to Brandeis Internet each year, John Turner, Director for Networks and Systems said.

Turner said that demand for wireless networks may double at Brandeis during the next six years.

The upgrade will take about 18 months to complete with work starting this summer in residence halls and later moving on to academic buildings.

“This upgrade will provide vastly improved wireless coverage in the dorms and academic areas on campus,” Turner said in the press release. “Students and faculty will have freedom to work and study where they want. It will also ensure that we have the capacity and coverage to handle the explosion of mobile devices.”